MicroRNA-27a Modulates HCV Infection in Differentiated Hepatocyte-Like Cells from Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

作者:Choi Jung Eun; Hur Wonhee; Kim Jung Hee; Li Tian Zhu; Lee Eun Byul; Lee Sung Won; Kang Wonseok; Shin Eui Cheol; Wakita Takaji; Yoon Seung Kew*
来源:PLos One, 2014, 9(5): e91958.
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0091958

摘要

Background and Aims: Despite the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry factor, the mechanism by which it is regulated by miRNAs remains unclear. Adipose tissue-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (AT-hMSCs) have been widely used for differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (DHCs). Here, we established an in vitro HCV infection model using DHCs from AT-hMSCs and identified miRNAs that modulate HCV infectivity. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: AT-hMSCs were differentiated into DHCs using the conditional media, and evaluated for hepatocyte characteristics using RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and a urea synthesis assay. The expression of HCV candidate receptors was also verified using immunocytochemistry. The levels of candidate miRNAs targeting HCV receptors were then determined by relative quantitative RT-PCR (rqRT-PCR). Finally, DHCs were infected using HCVcc and serum from HCV-infected patients, and infectivity of the virus was measured by rqRT-PCR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). %26lt;br%26gt;Results: The expected changes in morphology, function and hepatic gene expression were observed during hepatic differentiation. Moreover, the expression of candidate HCV entry factors and miR-27a were altered during hepatic differentiation. The infection and replication of HCV occurred efficiently in DHCs treated with HCVcc or infected with serum from HCV-infected patients. In addition, HCV infectivity was suppressed in miR-27a-transfected DHCs, due to the inhibition of LDLR expression by miR-27a. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that AT-hMSCs are a good source of DHCs, which are suitable for in vitro cultivation of HCV. Furthermore, these results suggest that miR-27a modulates HCV infectivity by regulating LDLR expression.

  • 出版日期2014-5-13