Transcriptomic alteration after miR-6126 tranfection into HepG2-NTCP

Aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most serious global health problems. Our previous study revealed that an increase in the miR-6126 serum level over one year of pegylated interferon therapy predicted a decrease in hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigens. We aimed to clarify whether miR-6126 downregulated the expression level of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), a host cell receptor required for HBV entry. Methods: HepG2-NTCP and PXB cells were utilized to evaluate the expression level of NTCP after transfection with miR-6126. The protein expression level of NTCP was evaluated using Western blot analysis and immunostaining. The expression profile of messenger RNAs was evaluated using next-generation sequencing to search for direct targets of miR-6126. Samples were triplicated; miR-6126-transfected group and negative control.