We have investigated the hypothesis that attenuation of the G2 checkpoint, which delays entry into mitosis in response to damage to DNA and protects against clastogenesis, may contribute to the genetic instability of immortal human cell lines. IMR-90 normal human fibroblasts displayed stringent G2 checkpoint response to gamma-radiation-induced DNA damage. Irradiation with 1.5 Gy induced 98% inhibition of mitosis and 79% inhibition of cyclin B1/p34CDC2 kinase activity within 2 h. SV40-transformed IMR-90 cells with extended in vitro proliferative lifespan and immortal derivative cells displayed significantly less radiation-induced G2 delay (60-70%) and less inhibition of cyclin B1/p34CDC2 protein kinase activity (43-46%) than was seen in normal cells. Two other SV40-transformed lines and a fibrosarcoma line displayed a similar attenuation of G2 checkpoint function. The attenuation of G2 checkpoint function in SV40 transformed IMR-90 cells was associated with elevated levels of expression of cyclin B1 (8-fold greater) and p34CDC2 (2.5-fold greater). By allowing cells with damaged chromatids to enter mitosis, an attenuation of G2 checkpoint function in finite lifespan cells may promote the genetic alterations necessary for the conversion to immortality.