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Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
11:14

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

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Mechanisms of Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA and Minichromosome Formation and HBV Gene Transcription

Andoni Gómez-Moreno1, Alexander Ploss1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.

Viruses
|April 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence relies on covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation. This review explores cccDNA minichromosome assembly and HBV gene transcription regulation, identifying research gaps.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis B, risking fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in over 300 million people.
  • HBV, a Hepadnaviridae family virus, has a complex replication cycle, with key aspects remaining unclear.
  • Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is crucial for HBV persistence, serving as the primary template for viral gene transcription.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the formation of HBV cccDNA and its associated viral minichromosome.
  • To examine the regulation of HBV gene transcription from the cccDNA template.
  • To identify and highlight unresolved questions in HBV cccDNA biology and transcription.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of HBV replication and cccDNA formation.
  • Analysis of studies on HBV minichromosome structure and function.
  • Synthesis of research on transcriptional regulation of HBV genes.

Main Results:

  • cccDNA is formed from relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) and persists as a chromatinized minichromosome.
  • This minichromosome is the central hub for HBV gene expression.
  • Mechanisms of cccDNA formation and transcription regulation are complex and not fully elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding cccDNA formation and transcriptional control is vital for combating chronic HBV infection.
  • Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in HBV persistence and gene regulation.
  • Targeting cccDNA and its transcription could offer new therapeutic strategies for hepatitis B.

Keywords:
DNA repairHBVcccDNAhepatitis B virusviral hepatitisviral transcription

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