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Updated: Nov 10, 2025

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Hepatitis C Viral Replication Complex
Hui-Chun Li1, Chee-Hing Yang2, Shih-Yen Lo2,3
1Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The life cycle of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be divided into several stages, including viral entry, protein translation, RNA replication, viral assembly, and release. HCV genomic RNA replication occurs in the replication organelles (RO) and is tightly linked to ER membrane alterations containing replication complexes (proteins NS3 to NS5B). The amplification of HCV genomic RNA could be regulated by the RO biogenesis, the viral RNA structure (i.e., cis-acting replication elements), and both viral and cellular proteins. Studies on HCV replication have led to the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) targeting the replication complex. This review article summarizes the viral and cellular factors involved in regulating HCV genomic RNA replication and the DAAs that inhibit HCV replication.
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