Regulation of FOXO3 by phosphorylation and methylation in hepatitis C virus infection and alcohol exposure.

Unlabelled: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection produces chronic liver injury that is significantly exacerbated by alcohol consumption. While multiple mechanisms contribute to this synergy, a viral-induced loss of antioxidant responses has been shown to play an important role. This study examined the effects of HCV infection and alcohol on the regulation of the transcription factor FOXO3, an important regulator of Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression, a tumor suppressor, and a component of the hepatic antioxidant response system.

Chapter 20 Effects of hepatitis C core protein on mitochondrial electron transport and production of reactive oxygen species.

Viral infections frequently alter mitochondrial function with suppression or induction of apoptosis and enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. The mechanisms of these effects are varied, and mitochondria are affected by both direct interactions with viral proteins and by secondary effects of viral-activated signaling cascades. This chapter describes methods used in our laboratory to assess the effects of the hepatitis C virus core protein on mitochondrial ROS production, electron transport, and Ca(2+) uptake.