The mechanism of viral carcinogenesis by DNA mammalian viruses: viral-specific RNA in polyribosomes of adenovirus tumor and transformed cells.

Abstract

Studies were performed to determine whether viral genetic information is present in virus-free, human adenovirus type 12 (Ad 12) tumor and transformed cells, grown in culture. A large proportion of the rapidly labeled mRNA fraction in the polyribosomes, about 2-5%, is complementary to Ad. 12 DNA. This new RNA species is absent from normal cells and from polyoma and SV40 [Simian virus -40] virus tumor and transformed cells. These data provide evidence for the presence of viral genetic material in Ad. 12 tumor and transformed cells. The selective transcription of a small amount of viral DNA to produce large amounts of functional viral mRNA is a key requirement for viral carcinogenesis.