Analysis of vesicle trafficking pathways utilized for the life cycle of hepatitis B virus and its application for therapies

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K08981
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: INOUE Jun 東北大学, 大学病院, 助教 (60455821)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: HBV / Rab5B

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To elucidate the mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in hepatocytes, we analyzed the involvements of Rab protein family that works as molecular switches in the vesicle trafficking. As a result of screening, it was revealed that Rab5B regulates the release of HBV significantly. Rab5B enhances the transport of LHBs, which is required for the formation of infectious envelope, from ER to multivesicular body (MVB). Also, Rab5B regulates the transcription of 2.4/2.1 kb mRNA of HBV via hepatocyte nuclear factor 4a. It is considered that the results of this study could lead to the elucidation of hepatitis B mechanisms and the possible application for the novel antiviral treatments.

Free Research Field

ウイルス性肝炎