Inhibition of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 replication using siRNA targeted to the viral core region and the CD81 cellular receptor.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causative agents of hepatitis worldwide. The current study aimed to evaluate the silencing effect of the small interference RNA (siRNA) molecules designed against the core region of HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4) and the CD81 gene, which is the cellular receptor for HCV in the human hepatocytes. RT-PCR was used to measure the changes in both the viral HCV core and the cellular CD81 genes induced by the specific siRNA molecules.

Effect of RNA Interference on the Hepatitis C Virus Core Expression in HepG2/C3A Cells Using Genotype 4 Isolates from Saudi Patients.

Objective: To explore the effects of two different methodologies of RNA interference, namely small interfering RNA, and vector-based short hairpin RNA, on the expression levels of hepatitis C virus core RNA and protein of Saudi genotype 4 isolates.

Study Design: An experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Laboratories of the College of Medicine Research Center, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, from January to December 2018.

The Use of Antifibrotic Recombinant nAG Protein in a Rat Liver Fibrosis Model.

Objectives: The "nAG" protein is the key protein mediating the regeneration of amputated limbs in salamanders. The senior author (MMA) developed the original hypothesis that since "nAG" is a "regenerative" protein, it must be also an "antifibrotic' protein. The antifibrotic properties were later confirmed in a rabbit skin hypertrophic scar model as well as in a rat spinal cord injury model.

Effect of TGFβ1 and nAG on Astrocyte Cultures: A Study of Astrocyte Proliferation and the Expression of GFAP, CSPG4, S100B and IL-6.

Objective: To determine the effects of TGFβ1 and an anti-scar protein nAG on normal (un-injured) 3-D astrocyte cultures with special emphasis on astrocyte proliferation, and the expression of GFAP, CSPG4, S100B, and IL-6.

Study Design: An experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from March to September 2017.

Molecular characterization and epidemic history of hepatitis C virus using core sequences of isolates from Central Province, Saudi Arabia.

The source of HCV transmission in Saudi Arabia is unknown. This study aimed to determine HCV genotypes in a representative sample of chronically infected patients in Saudi Arabia. All HCV isolates were genotyped and subtyped by sequencing of the HCV core region and 54 new HCV isolates were identified.

The Use of Recombinant nAG Protein in Spinal Cord Crush Injury in a Rat Model.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic properties of nAG protein during the recovery following acute spinal cord injuries in the rat.

Study Design: An experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 2014 to September 2015.

Hepatitis c virus genotype 4 replication in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2/C3A.

Background/aims: The lack of a reliable cell culture system allowing persistent in vitro hepatitis C virus (HCV) propagation is still restraining the search for novel antiviral strategies. HepG2 cells transfection with HCV allows for viral replication. However, the replication is weak presumably because of HepG2 lack of miRNA-122, which is essential for viral replication.

Expression of nAG and Prod-1 in Terminal Phalanx Amputation Stumps of Adult Mice: An Experimental Model of Bone Regeneration in Higher Vertebrates.

Background: nAG and Prod-1 are proteins responsible for the regeneration of completely amputated limbs in salamanders (which are lower vertebrates). The purpose of this study was to introduce an experimental distal phalanx amputation model in mice (which are higher vertebrates) in which nAG and Prod-1 are expressed in the amputation stumps.

Methods: Sixteen mice with amputation of the distal two-thirds of the distal phalanx were used.

Myofibroblast expression in skin wounds is enhanced by collagen III suppression.

Generally speaking, the excessive expression of myofibroblasts is associated with excessive collagen production. One exception is seen in patients and animal models of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV in which the COL3A1 gene mutation results in reduced collagen III but with concurrent increased myofibroblast expression. This paradox has not been examined with the use of external drugs/modalities to prevent hypertrophic scars.

Characterization of hepatitis C virus genotypes by direct sequencing of HCV 5'UTR region of isolates from Saudi Arabia.

The current study was designed to determine the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotypes in a representative sample of HCV chronically infected patients in Saudi Arabia. All HCV isolates were genotyped by sequencing of the 5'UTR region and newly identified HCV isolates were identified. Specific universal primers targeting 5'UTR region were used for both amplification and sequencing of all isolates that resulted in 244 bp fragment which represent about 80% of 5'UTR region.

Recombinant nAG (a salamander-derived protein) decreases the formation of hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model.

nAG (newt-Anterrior Gradient) protein is the key mediator of regrowth of amputated limbs in salamanders. In a previous work in our lab, a new nAG gene (suitable for humans) was designed and cloned. The cloned vector was transfected into primary human fibroblasts.

Salamander-derived, human-optimized nAG protein suppresses collagen synthesis and increases collagen degradation in primary human fibroblasts.

Unlike humans, salamanders regrow their amputated limbs. Regeneration depends on the presence of regenerating axons which upregulate the expression of newt anterior gradient (nAG) protein. We had the hypothesis that nAG might have an inhibitory effect on collagen production since excessive collagen production results in scarring, which is a major enemy to regeneration.