[HCV DF protein inhibits expression of p16 and p21 in HepG₂ cells].

Aim: To investigate the effect of HCV DF (Double-shift F) protein on the expression p16 and p21 in HepG(2); cells.

Methods: DF gene was amplificated from the whole HCV 1b genome, and cloned into pCDNA3.0 vecter. The recombinant plasmid (pCDNA3.0/HCV-DF) and empty vector were transfected into HepG(2); cells. Screening was performed with G418. p16 and p21 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and protein by Western blot.

Results: Stable expression of the recombinant plasmid was found in HCV DF protein. The expression of p16 and p21 in HepG();2 cells transfected with pCDNA3.0/HCV-DF were lower than those with blank plasmid.

Conclusion: HCV DF protein inhibits expression of p16 and p21 in HepG(2); cells. This suggested that HCV DF protein may participate in the progress of hepatocellular carcinoma.