Grant: Operating Grant - PA: Regional Partnership Program - Saskatchewan

Hepatitis C is a devastating liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A Canadian model has estimated that the economic burden of hepatitis C will increase more than 50% in the next 40 years due primarily to a greater number of patients with more advanced forms of liver diseases caused by HCV infection. Fatty liver disease or steatosis is evident in more than 50% of hepatitis C patients and is a confirmed risk factor for disease progression in hepatitis C. Therefore, we are particularly interested in characterizing how hepatitis C virus causes steatosis. In this proposal, we will provide experimental evidence to demonstrate how hepatitis C virus can modulate lipid synthesis and accumulation through a number of mechanisms in liver cells. This proposal will make a significant contribution to our understanding of steatosis in hepatitis C patients and provide rationale for the development of effective therapeutics to prevent disease progression.