Induction of infectious virus DNA and virus particles by mitomycin C in SV40-transformed mouse cells.

A line of SV40-transformed mouse cells (SV/3T3-4E) was isolated and four clones were derived from this line. Spontaneous production of small amounts of infectious SV40 DNA was detected in the parental line and in three out of the four clones tested, although no synthesis of virions could be demonstrated. The yields of SV40 DNA were significantly enhanced following treatment of these cells with mitomycin C and infectious virus particles became detectable occasionally.