Chinese scientists decode new hepatitis B virus genes
( 2003-08-21 11:47) (Xinhua)
Chinese scientists have decoded two new genes found in the hepatitis B virus
(HBV) genome. It is hoped that the discovery will lead to a new treatment for
the disease.
A research team at the No.302 Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation
Army found the new genes after cloning and analyzing the gene sequencing of HBV
taken from blood of HBV patients in China, said Cheng Jun, leader of the
research team, here Wednesday.
For the past 25 years, scientists have believed that HBV genome contained
four open reading frames. The new discovery brings the number of open reading
frames to six.
The finding will not only enhance research into the HBV virus and treatment
of the disease, for instance, by helping develop a new antigen for the virus,
but also the treatment of liver cancer, he said.
Some 350 million people worldwide are victims of hepatitis B, only one third
of whom show a favorable response to presently available treatment. Many of the
other sufferers will develop liver cancer.
Further research will be needed to identify how far the new genes will
contribute to the treatment of hepatitis B and liver cancer, Cheng said.
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