Homologous upstream sequences near Epstein-Barr virus promoters

The sequence of the 17,166-base-pair EcoRI C fragment of Epstein-Barr virus DNA, cell line B95-8, was determined. In vitro transcription was used to identify three RNA polymerase II promoters within this fragment of the virus. Cytoplasmic poly(A)+ RNAs starting at these points were demonstrated in B95-8 cells induced into virus production with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. Uninduced B95-8 cells contained much less of these RNAs. The upstream sequences near the three promoters show striking homologies that may be involved in transcriptional control.