Hypermethylated levels of E-cadherin promoter in Huh-7 cells expressing the HCV core protein

► HCV core protein play a role in HCC at least in part by altering the methylation status of CDH1 promoter. ► Overexpression of the HCV genotype 1b core protein in HuH7 cells leads to a decrease of the CDH1. ► Promoter methylation is associated with overexpression of SIRT1. ► Treatment with SIRT1 inhibitor (sirtinol) was able to reduce the CDH1 promoter hypermethylation. ► The employment of small molecules (such as SIRT1 inhibitors) as anticancer agents in combination with other therapeutic strategies is discussed.