The Effects of Silencing HBx Gene by siRNA on the Expression of YKL-40 Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell

Objective To observe the YKL-40 protein expression in HepG2.2.15 cells after hepatitis B virus X gene silence induced by siRNA.Methods Three short hairpin RNA interference plasmids targeting HBx gene were prepared as 3 groups:pRNAT-HBx(with interfering effect),and pRNAT-Mock(negative control plasmid,without interfering effect).Meanwhile,an empty control group was also designed.Transfection was performed using the Lipofectmine2000 liposome.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blot and cell immunofluorescence were employed to detect the expression levels of HBx and YKL-40 gene and protein in HepG2.2.15 cells after transfection.Results The expression of HBx gene was significantly inhibited after transfection .At the same time,YKL-40 gene mRNA expression,the YKL-40 protein level in HepG2.2.15 were down-regulated in the pRNAT-HBx transfected group as compared with that in the pRNAT-Mock group.Conclusion Short hairpin RNA interference targeting HBx may inhibit the expression of YKL-40 gene in HepG2.2.15 cells.The results may indicate HBx protein could activate the YKL-40 protein expression.