Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X gene encodes a multifunctional protein that can regulate cellular signaling pathways, interact with cellular transcription factors, and induce hepatocellular oncogenesis. In spite of its diverse activities, the precise role of the X protein in the viral life cycle of HBV remains unclear. To investigate this question, we have produced transgenic mice that carry either the wild-type HBV genome or a mutated HBV genome incapable of expressing the 16.5-kDa X protein. Our results indicate that while the X protein is not absolutely essential for HBV replication or its maturation in transgenic mice, it can enhance viral replication, apparently by activating viral gene expression. These results demonstrate a transactivation role of the X protein in HBV replication in transgenic mice.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2579-2584 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of virology |
| Volume | 76 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Insect Science
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
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