Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Identifying Inhibitors of the HBx-DDB1 Interaction Using a Split Luciferase Assay System
Published on: December 21, 2019
ZNF148 inhibits HBV replication by downregulating RXRα transcription
Xinyan Yao1, Kexin Xu1, Nana Tao2,3
1The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
Zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148) inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication by reducing retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα) expression. This discovery suggests ZNF148 as a potential new target for anti-HBV therapies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses significant health risks, including cirrhosis and cancer.
- Current antiviral drugs control HBV but a functional cure remains elusive.
- Identifying host factors regulating HBV replication is crucial for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which ZNF148 influences HBV.
- To assess ZNF148 as a potential therapeutic target for HBV infection.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using HepG2-NTCP and Huh7 cells to assess ZNF148 function.
- Quantification of viral RNA and DNA using Northern blotting and real-time PCR.
- Western blotting for viral protein levels, dual-luciferase assays for promoter activity, and an HBV mouse model for in vivo validation.
Main Results:
- ZNF148 overexpression decreased HBV RNA and DNA levels, while ZNF148 silencing increased them.
- ZNF148 inhibited HBV ENII/Cp activity and cccDNA transcriptional activity.
- ZNF148 suppressed HBV replication by downregulating retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα) expression via promoter binding.
Conclusions:
- ZNF148 inhibits HBV replication by downregulating RXRα transcription.
- ZNF148 represents a promising new target for developing anti-HBV therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a...
Co-activators and Co-repressors
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...

