Hepatitis B virus gene transcripts (HBV transcripts)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene transcripts are the various RNA molecules produced from the HBV genome during its replication cycle. These include precore mRNA, pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), pre-S1 mRNA, pre-S2/S mRNA, and X mRNA. These transcripts are essential for viral protein synthesis, genome replication, and assembly of new virions. The transcriptional program of HBV is complex and tightly regulated by both viral and host factors. The different transcripts encode various viral proteins, including HBeAg, core protein (HBcAg), polymerase, large surface antigen (L-HBsAg), middle/small surface antigens (M-HBsAg, S-HBsAg), and the HBx regulatory protein. They are transcribed from cccDNA and regulated by promoters, enhancers, and epigenetic mechanisms. Post-transcriptional regulation involves polyadenylation and a post-transcriptional regulatory element (PRE). Dysregulation of these transcripts can contribute to disease progression and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Other names

HBV RNAHBV mRNAPrecore mRNAPregenomic RNA (pgRNA)Pre-S1 mRNAPre-S2/S mRNAX mRNA