Virology & Mycology
Open Access

PEMT as a key enzyme in metabolic reprogramming in chronic hepatitis C infection

Joint Event 10^th International Virology Summit & 4^th International Conference on Influenza & Zoonotic Diseases

July 02-04, 2018 | Vienna, Austria

Mosleh Abomughaid, Jens R Coorssen, Jacob George and Mark W Douglas

Bisha University, Saudi Arabia
Westmead Millennium Institute - University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Australia
Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity - University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Australia
University of Western Sydney, Australia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Virol Mycol

Abstract :

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication is closely linked to lipid metabolism. Therefore, lipidomic analysis of HCV infected hepatic cells can offer insights into the pathogenesis of HCV infection and identify molecular targets that can serve as potential targets for new treatments.
Aim: The aim of this project was to study the effects of HCV infection on intracellular lipid homeostasis and turnover in hepatic cells. We have previously reported HCV-induced changes in neutral lipids; so now present data on phospholipids.
Methods: Huh7 cells were infected with HCV (JFH1 strain) and cultured until they were 90% infected. Cellular lipids were separated by high performance thin layer chromatography (HP-TLC) to measure changes in the major phospholipid species. The rate limiting enzymes of phosphatidylcholine metabolism were knocked down and the effects on HCV replication were measured.
Results: Conclusion: Our previous data reveal global changes in lipid abundance, particularly in the ER, which are predicted to impact the HCV life cycle and pathogenesis. We now report increased PC content in the ER and in lipid droplets. Our data suggest that in HCV infected cells the minor PC synthesis pathway is most important, as inhibiting PEMT inhibits replication and production of infectious virus.

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