Hepatitis C virus and lipid droplets: finding a niche

Filipe, A. and McLauchlan, J. (2015) Hepatitis C virus and lipid droplets: finding a niche. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 21(1), pp. 34-42. (doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.11.003)

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Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes serious liver disease in chronically infected individuals. Infectious virions are released from hepatocytes as lipoprotein complexes, indicating that the virus interacts with very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly to propagate. The primary source of lipid for incorporation into VLDL is cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs). This organelle is targeted by two virus-encoded proteins as part of a process essential for virion morphogenesis. Moreover, LDs regulate infection. A common condition in HCV-infected individuals is steatosis, characterized by an accumulation of LDs. The mechanisms underlying development of steatosis include direct effects of the virus on lipid metabolism. This review reveals new insights into HCV infection and a further twist to the growing list of functions performed by LDs.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Da Silva Filipe, Dr Ana and McLauchlan, Professor John
Authors: Filipe, A., and McLauchlan, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Trends in Molecular Medicine
Publisher:Elsevier Ltd.
ISSN:1471-4914
ISSN (Online):1471-499X

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