Enhancement of Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Activity by HCV Core Protein Promotes Cell Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Abstract

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been implicated as a potential oncogene or a cofactor in HCVrelated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Overactivation of the Wnt/b-catenin signaling is a major factor in oncogenesis of HCC. However, the pathogenesis of HCV core-associated Wnt/b-catenin activation remains to be further characterized. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether HCV core protein plays an important role in regulating Wnt/b-catenin signaling in HCC cells.