qRT-PCR analysis of clock gene mRNAs expression levels in Huh-7 cells overexpressing the HCV core proteins genotype 1b and 3a.

<p>Huh-7 cells were transiently transfected with HCV core proteins 1b and 3a as previously described <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0060527#pone.0060527-Abid1" target="_blank">[17]</a>, or with GFP. 48 hours after transfection mRNA levels of Rev-Erbα, Rorα, ARNTL, ARNTL2, CLOCK, PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY1 and CRY2 genes were assessed by qRT-PCR. Values were normalized against TBP as housekeeping control gene. Light gray: GFP transfected cells; dark gray: HCV core protein genotype 3a transfected cells; black: HCV core protein genotype 1b transfected cells. Results are expressed as means ± SE of three independent experiments. * = p<0.05 in HCV core proteins transfected versus GFP transfected control cells.