Chromosomal localization of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome in Bloom's syndrome B-lymphoblastoid cell lines transformed with EBV.

The localization of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome in chromosomes of human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) transformed with EBV, and the effect of EBV DNA on the level of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in Bloom's syndrome (BS) B-LCLs, were examined with chromosomal in situ hybridization techniques using a 3H-EBV DNA probe. EBV DNA was detected in chromosomes 1-5 and 13-15 at specific G band regions in BS as well as in normal B-LCLs, regardless of SCE. Several chromosomal sites (1p31, 1q31, 4q22-24, 5q21, 13q21, 14q21) carrying EBV DNA seemed to be very characteristic in normal as well as in BS B-LCLs. There was no statistically significant difference in silver grain counts due to EBV DNA and their distribution in different chromosomes or groups among normal and BS B-LCLs with normal and high SCE. These findings strongly indicate that EBV infection did not introduce a correcting factor for BS SCE.