A novel strategy to inhibit the reproduction and translation of hepatitis C virus

Sci China Life Sci. 2013 Apr;56(4):293-7. doi: 10.1007/s11427-013-4468-2. Epub 2013 Mar 20.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a positive single-stranded RNA virus, is a major cause of liver disease in humans. Herein we report a novel strategy to inhibit the reproduction and translation of HCV using a short RNA, named an Additional RNA, to activate the endonuclease activity of Argonaute 2 (Ago2). In the presence of the Additional RNA, the HCV genome RNA has the requisite 12 nucleotides of base-pairing with microRNA-122. This activates the endonuclease activity of Ago2, resulting in cleavage and release of the HCV genome RNA from Ago2 and microRNA-122. The free HCV genome RNA would be susceptible to intracellular degradation, effectively inhibiting its reproduction and translation. This study presents a new method to inhibit HCV that may hold great potential for HCV treatment in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Argonaute Proteins / genetics*
  • Argonaute Proteins / metabolism
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis / genetics
  • RNA, Small Untranslated / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Untranslated / metabolism
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • 5' Untranslated Regions
  • AGO2 protein, human
  • Argonaute Proteins
  • MIRN122 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Small Untranslated
  • RNA, Viral