HBx Downregulates miR-422a Expression via Activation of FOXG1/Q1/E1 in HepG2 Cells

microRNA-422a (miR-422a) is downregulated in many hematopoietic tumors and solid including hepatocellular carcinoma. We previously demonstrated that hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) expression of miR-422a HCC cell line HepG2 vitro. However, we explore the mechanisms underlying this action. Forkhead box proteins (FOX) G1/Q1/E1 are known to negatively regulate expression, prompted us determine whether HBx suppresses via activation FOXG1/Q1/E1. The relationship between FOXG1/Q1/E1 cells stably expressing was assessed with qRT-PCR. correlation determined qRT-PCR western blot cycle CCK-8 assays were used elucidate consequence transfection HepG2-hbx cells. activated by found be responsible, at least part, for downregulation hampered growth arresting G1 phase. Both may suitable molecular targets treatment HBV-infected HCC.