Open AccessContributions of transgenic mouse studies on the research of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis
Author(s) -
Shogo Ohkoshi,
Haruka Hirono,
Kazuhiko Watanabe,
Katsuhiko Hasegawa,
Masahiko Yano
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 55
ISSN - 1948-5182
DOI - 10.4254/wjh.v7.i28.2834
Subject(s) - transgene , genetically modified mouse , steatosis , hepatocellular carcinoma , virology , transactivation , carcinogenesis , pathogenesis , virus , hepatitis c virus , hepatitis b virus , medicine , biology , gene , immunology , cancer research , genetics , gene expression
Transgenic mouse technology has enabled the investigation of the pathogenic effects, including those on development, immunological reactions and carcinogenesis, of viral genes directly in living organism in a real-time manner. Although viral hepatocarcinogenesis comprises multiple sequences of pathological events, that is, chronic necroinflammation and the subsequent regeneration of hepatocytes that induces the accumulation of genetic alterations and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the direct action of viral proteins also play significant roles. The pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus X and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core genes has been extensively studied by virtue of their functions as a transactivator and a steatosis inducer, respectively. In particular, the mechanism of steatosis in HCV infection and its possible association with HCC has been well studied using HCV core gene transgenic mouse models. Although transgenic mouse models have remarkable advantages, they are intrinsically accompanied by some drawbacks when used to study human diseases. Therefore, the results obtained from transgenic mouse studies should be carefully interpreted in the context of whether or not they are well associated with human pathogenesis.