Hepatitis C virus <scp>NS</scp>5A drives a <scp>PTEN</scp>‐<scp>PI</scp>3K/Akt feedback loop to support cell survival

Abstract

These data demonstrate that HCV NS5A down-regulates PTEN expression through a cooperation of ROS-dependent and -independent pathways that subsequently drives a PTEN-PI3K/Akt feedback loop to support cell survival. Our findings provide new insights suggesting that NS5A contributes to HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.