Hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft supports HCV replication: A mouse model for evaluating antivirals

Figure 4 Comparison of hepatitis C virus RNA level between hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts formed subcutaneously and in the liver. RNA extract was prepared using the GITC method. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA level was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction using 1 μg total RNA isolated from the tumor samples, and mentioned as log copies/μg RNA. HCV RNA levels were 10-fold higher in the tumors formed subcutaneously compared to those that were formed in the liver. The titer of HCV in the liver tumor model was comparable to that in the infected human liver.