Induction of phospholipase A2 group 4C by hepatitis C virus infection regulates lipid droplet formation

Abstract

Background & AimsHepatic steatosis, characterized by lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, is a key diagnostic feature in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study aimed to clarify the involvement of phospholipid metabolic pathways in the pathogenesis of HCV-induced steatosis. MethodsThe expression and distribution of lipid species in the livers of human liver chimeric mice were analyzed using imaging mass spectrometry. Triglyceride accumulation and lipid droplet formation were studied in phospholipase A2 group 4C (PLA2G4C) knockout or overexpressing cells. ResultsImaging mass spectrometry of the infected mouse model revealed increased lysophosphatidylcholine levels and decreased phosphatidylcholine levels in HCV-positive regions of the livers. Among the transcripts associated with phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, up-regulation of PLA2G4C mRNA was most pronounced following HCV infection. Activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and up-regulation of c-Myc were important for activation of PLA2G4C transcription by HCV infection and expression of the viral proteins Core-NS2. The amount and size of lipid droplets were reduced in PLA2G4C-knockout cells. Inhibition of NF-κB or c-Myc activity suppressed lipid droplet formation in HCV-infected cells. HCV infection promoted the stabilization of lipid droplets, but this stability was reduced in PLA2G4C-knockout cells. Overexpression of PLA2G4C decreased the levels of phosphatidylcholine species in the lipid droplet fraction and led to lower levels of key factors involved in lipolysis (breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids), such as ATGL, PLIN1 and ABHD5 on the lipid droplets. ConclusionsHCV infection markedly increases PLA2G4C expression. This may alter the phospholipid composition of the lipid droplet membrane, leading to stabilization and enlargement of the droplets.