Episomal and integrated copies of Epstein-Barr virus coexist in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines

摘要: The Epstein-Barr virus genome is present in more than 95% of the African cases Burkitt lymphoma. In this tumor, viral usually maintained multiple episomal copies. Viral integration has been described only for Namalwa, a cell line lacking episomes. study, we have addressed question whether integrated and copies can coexist lymphoma cells. Gel electrophoresis was used to demonstrate presence as well free linear DNA three lines. numbers per were estimated be 5 10 BL36 BL137 cells below 1 BL60 cells, indicating that does not represent homogeneous population. Fluorescence situ hybridization combined with chromosomal banding study association metaphase chromosomes. A symmetrical pattern signals at both chromatids located same sites many if all metaphases taken evidence integration. each lines, one site identified: chromosome 11p15 1p34 reciprocal t(11;19) translocation Integrated, thus biological significance remains elucidated.