Chromosomal integration sites of human papillomavirus DNA in three cervical cancer cell lines mapped by in situ hybridization.

Metaphase chromosomes of three cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, CasKi, SiHa) were subjected to in situ hybridizations with the DNA of human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16 and 18, respectively. Previous studies have demonstrated multiple copies of HPV 18 DNA in HeLa and of HPV 16 DNA in CasKi cells, but only 1-2 HPV 16 copies in cells of the SiHa line. The viral DNA persists in an integrated state (Schwarz et al 1985). Analysis of the integration sites revealed at least 11 chromosomal sites of HPV 16 integration in CasKi cells. SiHa cells contain integrated HPV 16 DNA in the region q21-q31 of chromosome No. 13. In HeLa cells integration of HPV 18 occurred in chromosome No. 8, band q24. Thus, no evidence was obtained for the existence of preferential chromosomal regions for HPV integration. The data indirectly support a trans-acting function of HPV-mediated cell transformation.