Abstract:
This invention provides combinations of novel oligonucleotides and their use in detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S region of HBV. Such a deletion(s) is associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/077,522, filed on Jul. 2, 2008, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small, enveloped DNA virus that causes both acute and chronic liver diseases. Chronic HBV infection, a serious health problem in many Asian countries, often results in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 
         [0003]    Deletion mutations in the Pre-S region of the HBV genome are found to be associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis and HCC. See Chen et al., Gastroenterology 133:1466-1474 (2007) and Ito et al., J. Gastroenterol. 42:837-844 (2007). It has been suggested that such deletions help HBV escape from host immune surveillance and enhance its transforming capacity. See Wang et al., Hepatology, 41:761-770 (2005). 
         [0004]    Thus, there is a need to develop a rapid and accurate method for detecting deletions in the HBV Pre-S region, thereby assessing a HBV carrier&#39;s risk of developing cirrhosis/HCC. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is based on the discovery of a number of novel oligonucleotides for detecting deletion mutations in the Pre-S region of the HBV genome. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, one aspect of this invention features an isolated oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:1-44. The oligonucleotide can have a length of 20-50 nt (i.e., any number between 20 and 50). In one example, the oligonucleotide includes a poly(T) tail of 5-17 nucleotides (8 nt, 10 nt, or 15 nt). The term “isolated oligonucleotide” used herein refers to an oligonucleotide substantially free from naturally associated molecules, i.e., the naturally associated molecules constituting at most 20% by dry weight of a preparation containing the oligonucleotide. Purity can be measured by any appropriate method, e.g., column chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and HPLC. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the invention relates to an oligonucleotide combination, i.e., combination (A), combination (B), or combination (C). 
         [0008]    Oligonucleotide combination (A) contains at least 29 of the above-described oligonucleotides. Each of the 29 oligonucleotides includes a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:2-30, any two of them including two different nucleotide sequences also selected from SEQ ID NOs:2-30. Preferably, this combination further contains an oligonucleotide that includes the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. 
         [0009]    Oligonucleotide combination (B) contains at least 14 of the above-described oligonucleotides. Each of the 14 oligonucleotides includes a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:31-44, any two of them including two different nucleotide sequences also selected from SEQ ID NOs:31-44. This combination can contain an additional oligonucleotide that includes the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. 
         [0010]    Oligonucleotide combinations (A) and (B) can be merged to form oligonucleotide combination (C). 
         [0011]    The oligonucleotides contained in combinations (A), (B), or (C) can be attached to a suitable support member to form a DNA chip. 
         [0012]    Also within the scope of this invention is a method of using oligonucleotide combination (A), (B), or (C) for detecting a deletion(s) in the HBV Pre-S region, which includes subregions Pre-S1 and Pre-S2. Results thus obtained can be used to assess a HBV carrier&#39;s risk of developing cirrhosis or HCC. Namely, a patient who carries HBV with a deletion(s) in either the Pre-S1 or Pre-S2 region has an increased risk of developing cirrhosis or HCC relative to a HBV positive patient who carries wild-type HBV. 
         [0013]    In one example, a test HBV DNA, obtained from a HBV-containing sample (e.g., cultured cells infected with HBV or a biosample of a HBV carrier), is hybridized with oligonucleotide combination (A) and the results thus obtained are compared with the results obtained from hybridizing the same oligonucleotide combination with wild-type HBV DNA to determine whether the test HBV DNA contains a deletion(s) in its Pre-S1 region. 
         [0014]    In another example, a test HBV DNA, as described above, is hybridized with oligonucleotide combination (B) and the results thus obtained are compared with the results obtained from hybridizing the same oligonucleotide combination with wild-type HBV DNA to determine whether the test HBV DNA contains a deletion(s) in its Pre-S2 region. 
         [0015]    In yet another example, a test HBV DNA is hybridized with oligonucleotide combination (C) and the results thus obtained are compared with the results obtained from hybridizing the same oligonucleotide combination with wild-type HBV DNA to determine whether the test HBV DNA contains a deletion(s) in its Pre-S region, including both Pre-S1 and Pre-S2 regions. 
         [0016]    Combinations (A), (B), and (C) can also be used in the manufacture of kits for detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S region of HBV and for assessing a HBV-carrier&#39;s risk of developing cirrhosis and HCC. 
         [0017]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the description below. Other features or advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following drawings and detailed description of an example, and also from the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The drawings are first described. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a map of a DNA chip, indicating positions of the oligonucleotides immobilized on it. PC: positive control oligonucleotide (SEQ ID NO:1; see Table 3 below). The nucleotide sequences of the other oligonucleotides are listed in Tables 1 and 2 below. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a photograph showing microarray results obtained from hybridizing wild-type HBV DNA with a DNA chip. The oligonucleotides contained in the DNA chip and their positions thereon are shown in the map of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a photograph showing microarray results obtained from hybridizing HBV DNA bearing deletions in either the Pre-S1 or Pre-S2 region with the DNA chip described above. A: microarray results using HBV DNA bearing deletions in the Pre-S1 region. B: microarray results using HBV DNA bearing deletions in the Pre-S2 region. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a photograph showing microarray results obtained from hybridizing DNA samples prepared from two HBV positive patients with the DNA chip described above. A: microarray results obtained from Patient 1. B: microarray results obtained from Patient 2. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Disclosed herein are a number of oligosaccharide combinations for detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S region of HBV DNA. 
         [0024]    The HBV Pre-S region, located at nt 2854 to 154 in the HBV genome, includes two subregions, Pre-S1 (nt 2854 to 3210) and Pre-S2 (nt 3211 to 154). See Animal Virus Genetics, pg 57-70; Academic Press, New York (1980). The length of the Pre-S region in various genotypes of wild-type HBV remains the same, even though polymorphisms have been identified at many nucleotide positions in this region. An exemplary nucleotide sequence of the wild-type HBV Pre-S region is shown below: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 Nucleotide Sequence of Wild-Type HBV DNA Pre-S Region 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 (SEQ ID NO:48) 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   atgggaggtt ggtcatcaaa   acctcgcaaa ggcatgggga   cgaatctttc   
                 50 
                   
               
               
                          R1                  R2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   tgttcccaat cctctgggat   tctttcccga tcatcagttg gaccctgcat   
                 100 
               
               
                           R3                         R4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   tcggagccaa ctcaaacaat ccagattggg   acttcaaccc  gtcaaggac   
                 150 
               
               
                             R5                            R6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   gactggccag   cagccaacca agtaggagtg ggagcattcg   ggccaaggct   
                 200 
               
               
                                       R7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   cacccctcca cacggcggta   ttttggggtg gagccctcag gctcagggca   
                 250 
               
               
                      R8                              R9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   tattgaccac agtgtcaaca attcctcctc   ctgcctccac caatcggcag   
                 300 
               
               
                                R10                             R11 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   tcaggaaggc   agcctactcc catctctcca cctctaagag   acagtcatcc   
                 350 
               
               
                                          R12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   tcaggccatg cagtggaatt   ccactgcctt ccaccaaact ctgcaggatc   
                 400 
               
               
                     R13                             R14 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   ccagagtcag gggtctgtat cttcctgctg   gtggctccag ttcaggaaca   
                 450 
               
               
                                R15                             R16 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   gtaaaccctg   ctccgaatat tgcctctcac atctcgtcaa  tctccgcgag 
                 500 
               
               
                                        R17 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 gactggggac cctgtgacga acatggagaa catcacatca ggattcctag 
                 550 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 gacccctgct cgtgttacag gcggggtttt tcttgttgac aagaatcctc 
                 600 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 acaataccgc agagtctaga ctcgtggtgg acttctctca attttctagg 
                 650 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 gggatctccc gtgtgtcttg gccaaaattc gcagtcccca acctccaatc 
                 700 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 actcaccaac ctcctgtcct ccaatttgtc ctggttatcg ctggatgtgt 
                 750 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ctgcggcgtt ttatcatatt cctcttcatc ctgctgctat gcctcatctt 
                 800 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 cttattggtt cttctggatt atcaaggtat gttgcccgtt tgtcctctaa 
                 850 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ttccaggatc aacaacaacc agtacgggac catgcaaaac ctgcacgact 
                 900 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 cctgctcaag gcaactctat gtttccctca tgttgctgta caaaacctac 
                 950 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ggatggaaat tgcacctgta ttcccatccc atcgtcctgg gctttcgcaa 
                 1000 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 aatacctatg ggagtgggcc tcagtccgtt tctcttggct cagtttacta 
                 1050 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 gtgccatttg ttcagtggtt cgtagggctt tcccccactg tttggctttc 
                 1100 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 agctatatgg atgatgtggt attgggggcc aagtctgtac agcatcgtga 
                 1150 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 gtccctttat accgctgtta ccaattttct tttgtctctg ggtatacatt 
                 1200 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 taa 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0025]    Oligonucleotide combination (A) described herein contains at least 29 oligonucleotides respectively including the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs:2-30. In one example, combination (A) contains the oligonucleotides shown in Table 1 below, and preferably, an additional oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 (e.g., WH-PC listed in Table 3 below). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Oligonucleotides Contained in An Exemplary 
                   
               
               
                 Oligonucleotide Combination (A) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Position in HBV 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 genome 
                   
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                 Oligos 
                 (Target Region) 
                 Nucleotide Sequence (5′ → 3″) 
                 NO 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-1 
                 2854-2873 (R1) 
                 TTTGATGACCAACCTCCCAT 
                 SEQ ID 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-2 
                 2874-2893 (R2) 
                 TCCCCATGCCTTTGCGAGGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-3 
                 2894-2923 (R3) 
                 ATCCCAGAGGATTGGGAACAGAAAGATTCG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-3-1 
                 2894-2923 (R3) 
                 ATCCCAGGGGATTGGGGACAGAAAGATTTG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-4 
                 2924-2953 (R4) 
                 ATGCAGGGTCCAACTGATGATCGGGAAAGA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-4-1 
                 2924-2953 (R4) 
                 ATGCAGGGTCCAACTGRTGATCGGGRAAGA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (R: A/G) 
                 NO: 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-5 
                 2954-2983 (R5) 
                 CCCAATCTGGATTGTTTGAGTTGGCTCCGA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-5-1 
                 2954-2983 (R5) 
                 CCCAATCTGGATTTTCTGAGTTGGCTTTGA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-6 
                 2984-3013 (R6) 
                 CTGGCCAGTCGTCCTTGACGGGGTTGAAGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 10 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-6-1 
                 2984-3013 (R6) 
                 CTGGCCADTGATCCTTGTTGGGGTTGAAGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (D: G/A/T) 
                 NO: 11 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-6-2 
                 2984-3013 (R6) 
                 CCGGCCAGTTGTCCTTGTGCGGGTTGAGGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-7 
                 3014-3043 (R7) 
                 CGAATGCTCCCACTCCTACTTGGTTGGCTG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 13 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-7-1 
                 3014-3043 (R7) 
                 CGAATGCTCCCACTCCCACCTTGTTGGCGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 14 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-7-2 
                 3014-3043 (R7) 
                 CGAATGCTCCCRCTCCTACCTGRTTKGCCG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (R: A/G; K: G/T) 
                 NO: 15 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-8 
                 3044-3073 (R8) 
                 TACCGCCGTGTGGAGGGGTGAGCCTTGGCC 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 16 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-8-1 
                 3044-3073 (R8) 
                 CACCGCCGTGTGGWGGGRTGAACCCTGGCC 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (W: A/T; R: A/G) 
                 NO: 17 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-8-2 
                 3044-3073 (R8) 
                 GTCCCCCATGGGGAGGGRTGAACCCTGGCC 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (R: A/G) 
                 NO: 18 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-9 
                 3074-3103 (R9) 
                 TGCCCTGAGCCTGAGGGCTCCACCCCAAAA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 19 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10 
                 3104-3133 (R10) 
                 GAGGAGGAATTGTTGACACTGTGGTCAATA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 20 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10-1 
                 3104-3133 (R10) 
                 GAGGAGGAGCTGCTGGCACAGTTGTGAGTA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 21 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10-1-1 
                 3088-3117 (R10) 
                 CACAGTTGTGAGTATGCCCTGAGCCTGAGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 22 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10-1-2 
                 3118-3147 (R10) 
                 ATTGGTGGAGGCAGGAGGAGGAGCTGCTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 23 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10-2 
                 3104-3133 (R10) 
                 GAGGAGGNGCTRCTGGCACTGTTGTCARTA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (N: A/T/C/G; R: A/G) 
                 NO: 24 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10-2-1 
                 3088-3117 (R10) 
                 CACTGTTGTCARTATGCCCTGAGCCTGAGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (R: A/G) 
                 NO: 25 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-10-2-2 
                 3118-3147 (R10) 
                 ATTGGTGGAGGCAGGAGGAGGNGCTRCTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (N: A/T/C/G; R: A/G) 
                 NO: 26 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-11 
                 3134-3163 (R11) 
                 GCCTTCCTGACTGCCGATTGGTGGAGGCAG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 27 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-12 
                 3164-3193 (R12) 
                 CTCTTAGAGGTGGAGAGATGGGAGTAGGCT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 28 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-12-1 
                 3164-3193 (R12) 
                 CTCTTAGAGGTGGAGATAAGGGAGTAGGCT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 29 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-13 
                 3194-0002 (R13) 
                 AATTCCACTGCATGGCCTGAGGATGACTGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0026]    Oligonucleotide combination (B) contains at least 14 oligonucleotides respectively including the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs:31-44. In one example, this combination contains the oligonucleotides shown in Table 2 below, and preferably, an additional oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 (e.g., WH-PC listed in Table 3 below). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Oligonucleotides Contained in An Exemplary 
                   
               
               
                 Oligonucleotide Combination (B) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Position in HBV 
                   
                 SEQ ID 
                   
               
               
                 Oligos 
                 genome 
                 Nucleotide Sequence (5′ → 3″) 
                 NO 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-14 
                 0003-0032 (R14) 
                 GATCCTGCAGAGTTTGGTGGAAGGCAGTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 31 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-14-1 
                 0005-0031 (R14) 
                 ATCTTGAAGAGTTTGGTGGAAAGTGGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 32 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-14-1-1 
                 0003-0032 (R14) 
                 GATCTTGAAGAGTTTGGTGGAAGGTGGTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-14-1-2 
                 0005-0031 (R14) 
                 ATCTTGAAGAGTTTGGTGGAAGGTGGT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 34 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-14-2 
                 0005-0031 (R14) 
                 GATCTTGCAGAGCTTGGTGGAATGTTGTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 35 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-15 
                 0033-0062 (R15) 
                 CAGCAGGAAGATACAGACCCCTGACTCTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 36 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-15-1 
                 0035-0061 (R15) 
                 AGCAGGAARGTACAGGGCCCTGACTCT 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (R: A/G) 
                 NO: 37 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-15-2 
                 0033-0062 (R15) 
                 CAGCAGGAAARTAYAGGCCCCTCACTCTGG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (R: A/G; Y: T/C) 
                 NO: 38 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-16 
                 0063-0092 (R16) 
                 CAGGGTTTACTGTTCCTGAACTGGAGCCAC 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 39 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-16-1 
                 0063-0092 (R16) 
                 CAGGGCTCACTGTTCCTGAACTGGAGCCAC 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 40 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-16-2 
                 0063-0092 (R16) 
                 CAGGGTTTACTGTTCCKGAACTGGAGCCAC 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (K: G/T) 
                 NO: 41 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-17 
                 0093-0122 (R17) 
                 TTGACGAGATGTGAGAGGCAATATTCGGAG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NO: 42 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-17-1 
                 0093-0122 (R17) 
                 TTGACGATATGGYMGAGACAGTATTCTGAG 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (Y: T/C; M: C/A) 
                 NO: 43 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-17-2 
                 0093-0122 (R17) 
                 TTGACGATATGGGWGAGGCAGTAGTCGGAA 
                 SEQ ID 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (W: A/T) 
                 NO: 44 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0027]    Combinations (A) and (B) can be merged to form combination (C). In one example, combination (C) contains the oligonucleotides listed in both Tables 1 and 2 above, as well as WH-PC listed in Table 3 below. 
         [0028]    Combinations (A), (B), or (C) described above can be used for detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S region of HBV via hybridization. More specifically, combination (A) is used for detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S1 region of HBV, combination (B) is used for detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S2 region, and combination (C) is used for detecting a deletion(s) in the whole Pre-S region. The oligonucleotides contained in these two combinations target regions R1-R17 (shown in SEQ ID NO:48 above) in the Pre-S region as indicated in Tables 1 and 2 above. Each of the combinations include multiple oligonucleotides that target the same region (e.g., R10 or R14) where polymorphisms exist in different viral genotypes. Thus, the two combinations can be used for detecting Pre-S deletions in a HBV without first determining its particular genotype. When included in any of combinations (A), (B), and (C), WH-PC, having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, serves as a positive control. 
         [0029]    All of the oligonucleotides described above can be made by conventional methods, e.g., chemical synthesis. Preferably, oligonucleotides of combination (A), (B), or (C) are immobilized onto the surface of a suitable support member (e.g., a polymer substrate) via a linker (e.g., a poly T tail) to form a DNA chip. The poly(T) linker, including 5-17 nt, can be located at either the 5′ or 3′ end of an oligonucleotide. The support member can be made of various materials, e.g., glass, plastic, nylon, or silicon. 
         [0030]    The DNA chip mentioned above can be hybridized with a test HBV DNA sample under suitable hybridization conditions, such as hybridization at 48-55° C. (e.g., 50 or 55° C.) and washing with &lt;0.5×SSC (e.g., 0.2×SSC, 0.1×SSC, or any equivalent wash buffer) at 23-28° C. In a preferable example, the test HBV DNA is prepared via PCR amplification with the primers listed in Table 3 below from a biosample (e.g., a serum or liver sample) of a HBV positive patient. When the PCR product yields a single band on an agrose gel, it can be used directly for the just-mentioned hybridization assay. When the PCR product yields multiple bands on an agrose gel, DNAs of each band can be eluted from the gel, cloned into a vector, and then subjected to another PCR reaction to generate HBV DNA suitable for the hybridization assay. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Oligonucleotides Used as Positive Control and 
                   
               
               
                 PCR Primers 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Position 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 in HBV 
                 Nucleotide Sequence 
                   
               
               
                 Oligos 
                 genome 
                 (5′ → 3″) 
                 SEQ ID NO 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-PC 
                 2818-2837 
                 GCGGGTCACCATATTCTTGG 
                 SEQ ID NO: 1 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-1 
                 0236-0255 
                 GAGTCTAGACTCTGCGGTAT 
                 SEQ ID NO: 45 
               
               
                 Rev 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 WH-2 
                 0180-0199 
                 TAACACGAGCAGGGGTCCTA 
                 SEQ ID NO: 46 
               
               
                 Rev 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0031]    The hybridization results thus obtained are then compared with results obtained from hybridizing the same DNA chip with a wild-type HBV DNA to determine whether the test HBV DNA contains a deletion(s) in its Pre-S region. For example, failure to hybridize to all of the oligonucleotides that target the same region (e.g., R8 or R14) indicates that the test HBV DNA contains a deletion(s) in that region. 
         [0032]    Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, based on the above description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following specific example is, therefore, to be constructed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference. 
       Determination of Deletions in HBV Pre-S1 and Pre-S2 Regions by Microarray Analysis 
       [0033]    a. Preparation of an Oligo Microarray Chip for Determining Deletions in the Pre-S1 and Pre-S2 Regions of HBV 
         [0034]    Each of the oligonucleotides listed in both Table 1 and Table 2 and oligonucleotide WH-PC listed in Table 3 was dissolved separately in a buffer containing glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, sodium EDTA, and bromophenol blue at a final concentration of 20 μM. All of these oligonucleotides were then spotted onto a positively charged nylon membrane by an Ezspot arrayer using a 400 μm diameter solid pin and exposed to a shortwave UV for 30 s to form a DNA microarray chip.  FIG. 1  shows the positions of each of the oligonucleotides on the DNA chip. 
         [0000]    b. Preparation of HBV DNA Samples for Microarray Analysis 
         [0035]    HBV DNA samples obtained from HBV positive patients were prepared as follows. Serum samples were collected from these patients and DNAs were isolated from the samples by QIAamp MinElute Virus Spin following the instruction of the manufacturer. Briefly, 200 μl of each serum sample were mixed with 25 μl QIAGEN protease and 200 μl Buffer AL (containing 28 μg/ml of carrier RNAs). The mixture thus formed was incubated at 56° C. for 15 min in a heating block. After being mixed with 250 μl of ethanol (96-100%), the mixture was subjected to pulse-vortex for 15 sec, and then incubation at room temperature for 5 min. The lysate thus formed was carefully loaded onto a QIAamp MinElute column, which was centrifuged at 6000×g (8000 rpm) for 1 min., and the collection tube containing the filtrate was discarded. The column was washed twice with Buffer AW2 and ethanol, centrifuged at a full speed (20000×g; 14000 rpm) for 3 min to dry completely the membrane contained in the column. 20-150 μl of Buffer AVE or RNase-free water were added to the center of the membrane in the column. After being incubated at room temperature for 1 min, the column was centrifuged at a full speed (20000×g; 14000 rpm) for 1 min to collect a solution containing DNAs. 
         [0036]    The DNAs thus obtained were used as PCR templates for preparing DNAs including the HBV Pre-S region, using the primers of W H -PC: 5′-GCGGGTCACCATATTCTTGG-3′ (forward primer; SEQ ID NO:1), and WH-1-Rev: 5′-GAGTCTAGACTCTGCGGTAT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:45), and WH-2 Rev.: 5′-TAACACGAGCAGGGGTCCTA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:46). See Table 3 above. Both primers were labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) at their 5′ ends. The PCR amplification was carried out under the following conditions: (a) initial denaturation at 95° C. for 3 min; (b) 35 cycles of denaturation at 95° C. for 1 min, annealing at 58° C. for 40 sec, and extension at 72° C. for 45 sec; and (c) final extension at 72° C. for 8 min. The PCR products were examined by agarose gel electrophoresis. If the DNA products yield a single band on the electrophoresis gel, they were analyzed via a microarray assay described below to examine for Pre-S a deletion(s). If two or more bands were produced, the PCR products were subjected to TA cloning and colony PCR as described below. 
       C. TA Cloning and Colony PCR 
       [0037]    The PCR products prepared by the method described above were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis and each DNA band on the gel was eluted from the gel. The eluted PCR products were ligated with a TA cloning vector in a ligation system containing 1 μl of 10× ligation buffer A, 1 μl of 10× ligation buffer B, 2 μl of TA vector, 5 μl of PCR product, and 1 μl of T4 DNA ligase. The ligation reaction was carried out at 22° C. for 15 min. The products thus obtained were transformed into host cells ( E. coli  DH5α) and selected on Ampicillin-selective medium for positive transformants. The colonies of the positive transformants were picked up for colony PCR, using the M13 vector primers M13 F: 5′-GTTTTCCCAGTCACGAC-3 (SEQ ID NO:47), and M13 R: 5′-TCACACAGGAAACAGCTATGAC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:48). The PCR products were then re-amplified with the DIG-labeled W H -For and W H -Rev primers described in section b above, following the PCR reaction conditions also described therein. 
         [0000]    d. Microarray Analysis 
         [0038]    The microarray chip described in section a above was prehybridized for 2 hours in a hybridization solution containing 5×SSC, 1% blocking reagent, 0.1% N-lauroylsarcosine, 0.02% SDS). The digoxigenin-labeled PCR products described in section b above, corresponding to the HBV Pre-S region, were heated at 95° C. for 5 min and immediately cooled in an ice bath to denature the PCR products. Ten microliters of each denatured PCR product, diluted in 0.3 ml of the hybridization solution, were mixed with the prehybridized microarray chip and the hybridization reaction was carried out at 50° C. for 90 min. After washing away the nonhybridized DNA molecules, the microarray chip was washed four times with 0.1×SSC-0.2% SDS at 25° C., followed by incubation for 1 h in a blocking buffer (a Maleic acid buffer purchased from Roche). The blocking buffer was then removed and the microarray chip was incubated with a solution containing alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-DIG antibodies (1:1250 dilution) for 1 hr. After being washed three times (10 min each time) with a MAB washing solution that contains 0.1 M Maleic acid, 0.15 M NaCl, (pH 7.5), the chip was incubated for 5 min with a detection buffer (0.1 M Tris-HCl, 0.1 M NaCl, pH 9.5). A solution containing nitro blue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate, an alkaline phosphate substrate, was incubated with the chip at 37° C. for 15 min without shaking. Afterwards, the chip was washed three times with distilled water, air-dried, and examined for positive signals (dark purple color) developed at positions where the PCR products hybridized with the oligonucleotides immobilized thereon. 
         [0039]    The microarray results obtained from hybridizing a wild-type HBV DNA with the DNA chip described above are shown in  FIG. 2 . The wild-type HBV DNA hybridizes to at least one oligonucleotide that targets each of regions R1-R17. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a HBV DNA having deletions in the Pre-S1 region does not hybridize to any of the oligonucleotides that target regions R8 and R9 (see panel A), indicating that there are Pre-S1 deletions located within these two regions. Also shown in  FIG. 3 , a HBV DNA having deletions in the Pre-S2 region does not hybridize to any of the oligonucleotides that target regions R14 and R15 (see panel B), indicating that the Pre-S2 deletions locate within these two regions. 
         [0040]    HBV DNA samples, obtained from two HBV positive patients, were subjected to the microarray analysis described above. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the HBV DNA obtained from Patient 1 does not hybridize to any of the oligonucleotides targeting regions R2 to R7 (see Panel A) and the HBV DNA from Patient 2 does not hybridize to any of the oligonucleotides targeting regions R16 and R17 (see Panel B). These results indicate that Patients 1 and 2 carry HBV with deletions in the Pre-S1 and Pre-S2 regions, respectively. The HBV DNAs from both Patient 1 and Patient 2 were subjected to DNA sequencing and the results thus obtained were consistent with those obtained from the microarray assay described above. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0041]    All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0042]    From the above description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, other embodiments are also within the claims.