FIG 8.

Effect of the HCV core protein on HOX gene mRNA and histone levels. A plasmid encoding the core protein and/or the empty plasmid were introduced into Huh7OK1 cells. The transfected cells were harvested 36 h posttransfection. Total RNA or cell lysates were prepared from the transfected cells. (A) The core protein, β-actin, RNF2, H2A, H3, and H2Aub were evaluated by immunoblotting. The intensity of H2Aub or RNF2 is indicated on the bottom of each panel. (B) HOXB9, HOXA1, HOXA3, HOXB1, HOXB8, HOXC13, HOXD8, HOXD13, and GAPDH mRNA levels were evaluated by RT-sqPCR. A1, A3, B1, B8, B9, C13, and D13 indicate HOXA1, HOXA3, HOXB1, HOXB8, HOXB9, HOXC13, and HOXD13.