Reverse Genetic Analysis of NS2 Mutational Diversity in Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a main etiological and causative agent for acute and chronic liver disease, leading to liver cancer. The NS2 protein of HCV has been recently implicated in virus particle assembly. Objective of the study is to evaluate the mutation variations in the NS2 Gene of HCV and map epitopes in the variable NS2 region After clinical evaluation, 40 serum samples from HCV patients were obtained under sterile conditions. RNA was extracted from stored serum samples. Primers were designed, and amplicons were amplified. The mean age of the patients was 47.6 years. The RNA was extracted from all 40 serum samples and was detected through agarose gel electrophoresis. A single band of 470bp with maximum concentration was obtained at 61ºC. SNPs were detected in the amplified regions. A complex network of interactions involving NS2 and other viral structural and nonstructural proteins was observed during virus assembly.