Down regulation of osteopontin interferes with HCV replication by inhibition of WNT signalling in vitro

Background and Aims: Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted protein which is expressed in bone, immune cells and malignant cells. OPN is involved in migration and cell fusion and has been found upregulated in cirrhosis patients with HBV infection. We investigated relations between OPN and HCV replication as well as underlying mechanisms. Methods: For in vitro experiments the HCV replicon system expressing HCV genes NS3 to NS5B alone (Huh5–15) or in combination with firefly luciferase (LucUbiNeo-ET) was used. Knockdown of OPN expression was achieved by transfection of siRNA. Gene expression was measured by real time RT-…