Exploitation of host clock gene machinery by hepatitis viruses B and C

World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Dec 21;19(47):8902-9. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i47.8902.

Abstract

Many aspects of cellular physiology display circadian (approximately 24-h) rhythms. Dysfunction of the circadian clock molecular circuitry is associated with human health derangements, including neurodegeneration, increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and the metabolic syndrome. Viruses triggering hepatitis depend tightly on the host cell synthesis machinery for their own replication, survival and spreading. Recent evidences support a link between the circadian clock circuitry and viruses' biological cycle within host cells. Currently, in vitro models for chronobiological studies of cells infected with viruses need to be implemented. The establishment of such in vitro models would be helpful to better understand the link between the clock gene machinery and viral replication/viral persistence in order to develop specifically targeted therapeutic regimens. Here we review the recent literature dealing with the interplay between hepatitis B and C viruses and clock genes.

Keywords: Anti-hepatitis therapy; Chronobiology; Clock genes; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • CLOCK Proteins / genetics
  • CLOCK Proteins / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / virology
  • Cell Transformation, Viral
  • Circadian Rhythm* / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hepacivirus / drug effects
  • Hepacivirus / growth & development
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepacivirus / pathogenicity*
  • Hepatitis B / complications
  • Hepatitis B / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B / virology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis B virus / growth & development
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / pathogenicity*
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / virology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / immunology
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver / virology
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / virology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • CLOCK Proteins