Objective: The known function of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is to determine the fate of cells by modulating various signaling pathways. In our previous study, we demonstrated that HBx inhibits tumor formation in nude mice injected with CCL13-HBx stable cell lines; however, the mechanism underlying this inhibition is unclear. Methods: To investigate the possible mechanisms underlying HBx involvement in CCL13-HBx cells, gene profiles were initially analyzed by DNA microarray technology and subsequently confirmed by performing semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, the phenomenon of cell death via apoptosis was detected via DNA fragmentation, TUNEL staining, caspase-3 activity assay, and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Results: The results indicated that HBx induction downregulated Wnt-3 and β-catenin that are involved in cell proliferation. Moreover, HBx induction repressed cell growth and downregulated the expressions of cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, CDK2, and cyclin B1. Furthermore, HBx induction triggered cell death via apoptosis, as determined by DNA fragmentation, TUNEL staining, caspase-3 activity assay, and PI staining. Conclusion: Most importantly, our results indicated that HBx induction in the CCL13-HBx stable cell line downregulated Wnt-3/β-catenin expression and suppressed cell growth by repressing cell proliferation or triggering cell apoptosis.

Keywords:
Hepatitis B virus X protein, Proliferation, Apoptosis, Wnt-3/β-catenin
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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