MicroRNA-185-5p mediates regulation of SREBP2 expression by hepatitis C virus core protein

Figure 3 miR-185-5p targets the 3’-untranslated region of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2. A: Luciferase activity was quantified in HepG2 cells transfected with a control luciferase reporter plasmid (Con Luc), SREBP2 3’ UTR-containing reporter plasmid (3’-UTR) and SREBP2 3’ UTR mutant (mut a, b, c, and d) 48 h after transfection (n = 3); B: For overexpression studies, 30 nmol/L miR-185-5p mimic or negative control miRNA was co-transfected with pmirGLO-SREBP2 3’-UTR luciferase constructs. At 48 h after transfection, the relative luciferase activity was detected (n = 3); C: HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-185-5p mimic or negative control miRNA (30 nmol/L) for 48 h, and then the mRNA level of SREBP2 was detected (n = 3); D: HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-185-5p mimic or negative control miRNA (30 nmol/L), and the protein expression of SREBP2 was determined 72 h after transfection; E: HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-185-5p inhibitor or negative control miRNA (30 nmol/L), and the protein expression level of SREBP2 was determined 72 h after transfection. SREBP2: Sterol regulatory element binding protein 2; UTR: Untranslated region.