Reduction of MicroRNA 122 Expression in <i>IFNL3</i> CT/TT Carriers and during Progression of Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Abstract

miR-122 plays a crucial role during HCV infection. Moreover, it was reported that miR-122 binding within the HCV genome stimulates its replication. Moreover, miR-122 is highly expressed within hepatocytes, where it regulates many cellular pathways. A reduction of miR-122 expression has been suggested to be associated with responsiveness to IFN-based therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Several independent genome-wide association studies reported a strong association between IFNL3 polymorphism and responsiveness to IFN-based therapy. We report here a strong association between the expression of miR-122 and IFNL3 polymorphism that is independent of the response to the treatment. Our data suggest that modification of miR-122 expression may play an important role in the molecular mechanism associated with IFNL3 polymorphism. Moreover, we report a reduction of miR-122 at more advanced stages of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.