# EBV EXPRESSION IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 1990 · $146,230

## Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy
which occurs at high incidence in endemic regions in Southern
China, Northern Africa, and among Alaskan Eskimoes but also
occurs worldwide in all populations.  We have identified the viral
sequences which encode RNA in tumor tissue and have identified
specific viral transcripts from three regions of the EBV genome
which are transcribed in NPC.  We will determine when these
transcripts are synthesized in lymphoid cell lines in vitro and in
the NPC epithelial fusion cell line. NPC-KT.

In order to further define which viral functions are expressed in
malignant epithelial tissues we will use single-stranded RNA
probes representing specific latent functions generated from
vectors containing the SP6 and T7 bacteriophage promoters in
Northern analyses or in nuclease protection assays.  RNA
preparations from NPC biopsy specimens an NPC which can be
passaged in nude mice, C15, and the NPC cell line, NPC-KT will
be compared to RNA from lymphoid cell lines.

To facilitate a detailed analysis of viral transcription from the
entire genome, we have constructed a cDNA library to NPC RNA
in the vector, lambda gt11, by priming cDNA synthesis with oligo
dT.  Twelve viral specific clones have been identified.  The viral
cDNA structures will determined by restriction enzyme and
sequence analysis.  Additional libraries will be repeated from
RNA from the same specimen and from additional NPC samples.
In some instances cDNA will be primed with oligonucleotides for
viraal genes.

We will identify hyperplasias or other oropharyngeal malignancies
associated with EBV by screening for EBV DNA.  The structure of
the viral termini will be analyzed to determine if the infected
tissue produces linear virion DNA or contains only the episomal
form.  Monoclonal proliferations will be identified by this assay.
Viral transcripts will be analyzed in the EBV-positive hyperplasias
through the use of Northern blots, nuclease protection assays and
cDNA cloning.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3170879
- **Project number:** 5R01CA032979-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** D3LHU66KBLD5
- **Principal Investigator:** NANCY JOAN RAAB-TRAUB
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1990
- **Award amount:** $146,230
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-06-01 → 1991-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3170879

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3170879, EBV EXPRESSION IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA (5R01CA032979-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3170879. Licensed CC0.

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