T118N Substitution of Hepatitis B X Protein Reduces Colony Formation of HepG2 Cells

BACKGROUND: The acute Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection usually ceases before six months, but chronic that lasts for more than months might develop into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Viral particle load, HBV genotypes association to the x (HBx) gene mutations are probable factors related HCC occurrence. mutation which leads HBx T118N was found as second most common in Indonesia, compared known cancer-related K130M/V131I mutant. However, effect of its combination with on human hepatoma cells has not been elucidated well. Hence, this study conducted dissect role mutant colony formation, wild type K130M/V131I.METHODS: In study, genes encoding HBx, T118N, were obtained synthetic gene. Meanwhile, T118N/K130M/V131I successfully generated using site-directed mutagenesis. optimum condition formation assays determined through Zeocin sensitivity test HepG2 cells.RESULTS: Selection at 200 µg/mL. Colony performed upon expression proteins showed reduced numbers similar from expression.CONCLUSION: caused less cells, K130/M131I mutation. This indicates a possible cancer development.KEYWORDS: assay, hepatitis virus,