Effect of HCV core protein on proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

Aim: To investigate the effect of HCV core protein on the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721.Methods:SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with plasmid pcDNA3.0-C-EGFP,and cells transfected with pcDNA3.0 (-) served as controls. The mRNA expression in the cells, and protein expressions in the cells and in the supernatant of HCV core protein were verified by RT-PCR,Western blot and ELISA methods,respectively.A series of functional assays were used to monitor the changes of the cells adhesive, migrant and invasive capabilities,and MTT method was used to detect cell proliferation.Results: The mRNA expression in the cells, and protein expressions in the cells and in the supernatant of HCV core protein, adhesive, migrant and invasive capabilities of the cells transfected with pcDNA3.0-C-EGFP were higher than those of the control(t=8.141,5.762, 19.931,2.961,4.213,and 4.112,P0.05).The proliferation rate of the cells transfected with pcDNA3.0-C-EGFP was higher than that of the control(P0.05). Conclusion:HCV core protein might enhance the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells.