水稻功能基因图位克隆研究进展

图位克隆是建立在植物分子标记图谱之上的一种基因克隆技术。利用分子标记技术对目的基因进行精细定位,用与目的基因紧密连锁的分子标记筛查DNA文库,构建包含目的基因区域的物理图谱,通过染色体步移等方法找到包含目的基因的克隆,再通过遗传转化试验对目的基因进行功能验证。介绍了基因图位克隆的研究技术原理与技术环节,并对近年来水稻功能基因图位克隆研究进展进行了综述。     

A simple method for sequencing small DNAs by introducing precise overlapping ends into restriction digestion fragments.

A method has been devised whereby certain complete restriction digestions can have short overlaps of unique sequence incorporated into the fragments during cloning. Thus one can identify when the DNA fragments are contiguous. Here, this technique is used to produce a contig for a 2.5 kb fragment of genomic DNA. This is a simple approach to ordering digestion fragments without necessarily performing restriction mapping. It is envisaged that this technique will be useful for sequencing cDNAs and small genomic fragments.     

Gene discovery using mutagen-induced polymorphisms and deep sequencing: application to plant disease resistance

Next-generation sequencing technologies are accelerating gene discovery by combining multiple steps of mapping and cloning used in the traditional map-based approach into one step using DNA sequence polymorphisms existing between two different accessions/strains/backgrounds of the same species. The existing next-generation sequencing method, like the traditional one, requires the use of a segregating population from a cross of a mutant organism in one accession with a wild-type (WT) organism in a different accession. It therefore could potentially be limited by modification of mutant phenotypes in different accessions and/or by the lengthy process required to construct a particular mapping parent in a second accession. Here we present mapping and cloning of an enhancer mutation with next-generation sequencing on bulked segregants in the same accession using sequence polymorphisms induced by a chemical mutagen. This method complements the conventional cloning approach and makes forward genetics more feasible and powerful in molecularly dissecting biological processes in any organisms. The pipeline developed in this study can be used to clone causal genes in background of single mutants or higher order of mutants and in species with or without sequence information on multiple accessions.     

Rapid mapping and identification of mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans by restriction site-associated DNA mapping and genomic interval pull-down sequencing

Forward genetic screens provide a powerful approach for inferring gene function on the basis of the phenotypes associated with mutated genes. However, determining the causal mutation by traditional mapping and candidate gene sequencing is often the rate-limiting step, especially when analyzing many mutants. We report two genomic approaches for more rapidly determining the identity of the affected genes in Caenorhabditis elegans mutants. First, we report our use of restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) polymorphism markers for rapidly mapping mutations after chemical mutagenesis and mutant isolation. Second, we describe our use of genomic interval pull-down sequencing (GIPS) to selectively capture and sequence megabase-sized portions of a mutant genome. Together, these two methods provide a rapid and cost-effective approach for positional cloning of C. elegans mutant loci, and are also applicable to other genetic model systems.     

Mapping structurally perturbed sites in DNA by replication arrest and run-off replication

We describe a technique for rapid fine mapping of sites of torsion-induced perturbations of DNA structure. The technique involves strand scission or chemical base modification at structurally perturbed sites, replication arrest in a double-strand DNA sequencing reaction, and size analysis of replication products by electrophoresis on sequencing gels. Besides being less complicated and faster than site identification by conventional end-labeling methods, the technique assures high sequence specificity through the use of oligomeric sequencing primers. This property should be useful for in vivo mapping of DNA structural perturbations with known sequence within complex genomes.     

Current status and the future of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in plant genome research.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which allows direct mapping of DNA sequences on chromosomes, has become the most important technique in plant molecular cytogenetics research. Repetitive DNA sequence can generate unique FISH patterns on individual chromosomes for karyotyping and phylogenetic analysis. FISH on meiotic pachytene chromosomes coupled with digital imaging systems has become an efficient method to develop physical maps in plant species. FISH on extended DNA fibers provides a high-resolution mapping approach to analyze large DNA molecules and to characterize large genomic loci. FISH-based physical mapping provides a valuable complementary approach in genome sequencing and map-based cloning research. We expect that FISH will continue to play an important role in relating DNA sequence information to chromosome biology. FISH coupled with immunoassays will be increasingly used to study features of chromatin at the cytological level that control expression and regulation of genes.     

Efficient integration of artificial transposons into plasmid targets in vitro: a useful tool for DNA mapping, sequencing and genetic analysis.

We have developed efficient methods for creating artificial transposons and inserting these transposons into plasmid targets in vitro, primarily for the purpose of DNA mapping and sequencing. A novel plasmid has been engineered to convert virtually any DNA sequence, or combination of sequences, into an artificial transposon; hence, custom transposons containing any desired feature can be easily designed and constructed. Such transposons are then efficiently inserted into plasmid targets, in vitro, using the integrase activity present in yeast Ty1 virus-like particles. A single in vitro integration reaction, which resembles a simple restriction digestion in the complexity of the reaction, gives rise to thousands of recoverable insertion events within DNA target molecules; this frequency approaches one insertion per phosphodiester bond in typical plasmids. Importantly, transposon insertions are recovered from all regions of DNA inserts carried on plasmid targets, indicating that integration is a random or nearly-random process. Because of its versatility, this technology offers a generalized method of generating recombinant DNA molecules of a desired structure. We have adapted this system for DNA sequencing by developing a customized artificial transposon to insert new primer binding sites into internal regions of DNA inserts carried on cloning vectors. Transposon insertions have been generated throughout several different yeast and human DNA inserts carried on plasmids, allowing the efficient recovery of sequence information from these inserts. Our results demonstrate the overall utility of this method for both small and large-scale DNA sequencing, as well as general DNA restructuring, and indicate that it could be adapted for use with a number of additional applications including functional genetic analysis.     

DNA fiber mapping techniques for the assembly of high-resolution physical maps.

High-resolution physical maps are indispensable for directed sequencing projects or the finishing stages of shotgun sequencing projects. These maps are also critical for the positional cloning of disease genes and genetic elements that regulate gene expression. Typically, physical maps are based on ordered sets of large insert DNA clones from cosmid, P1/PAC/BAC, or yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) libraries. Recent technical developments provide detailed information about overlaps or gaps between clones and precisely locate the position of sequence tagged sites or expressed sequences, and thus support efforts to determine the complete sequence of the human genome and model organisms. Assembly of physical maps is greatly facilitated by hybridization of non-isotopically labeled DNA probes onto DNA molecules that were released from interphase cell nuclei or recombinant DNA clones, stretched to some extent and then immobilized on a solid support. The bound DNA, collectively called "DNA fibers," may consist of single DNA molecules in some experiments or bundles of chromatin fibers in others. Once released from the interphase nuclei, the DNA fibers become more accessible to probes and detection reagents. Hybridization efficiency is therefore increased, allowing the detection of DNA targets as small as a few hundred base pairs. This review summarizes different approaches to DNA fiber mapping and discusses the detection sensitivity and mapping accuracy as well as recent achievements in mapping expressed sequence tags and DNA replication sites.     

Isolation and high-resolution mapping of new DNA markers from the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10.

The gene responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) has been localized to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10. Several markers that fail to recombine with MEN2A have been identified, including D10Z1, D10S94, D10S97, and D10S102. Meiotic mapping in the MEN2A region is limited by the paucity of critical crossovers identified and by the dramatically reduced rates of recombination in males. Additional approaches to mapping loci in the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10 are required. We have undertaken the generation of a detailed physical map by radiation hybrid mapping. Here we report the development of a radiation hybrid panel and its use in the mapping of new DNA markers in pericentromeric chromosome 10. The radiation-reduced hybrids used for mapping studies all retain small subchromosomal fragments that include both D10S94 and D10Z1. One hybrid was selected as the source of DNA for cloning. One hundred five human recombinant clones were isolated from a lambda library made with pp11A DNA. We have completed regional mapping of 22 of those clones using our radiation hybrid mapping panel. Seven markers have been identified and, when taken together with previously meiotically mapped markers, define eight radiation hybrid map intervals between D10S34 and RBP3. The identical order is found for a number of these using either the radiation hybrid mapping panel or the meiotic mapping panel. We believe that this combination cloning and mapping approach will facilitate the precise positioning of new markers in pericentromeric chromosome 10 and will help in refining further the localization of MEN2A.     

Optical mapping of DNA: single-molecule-based methods for mapping genomes

The technologies associated with DNA sequencing are rapidly evolving. Indeed, single-molecule DNA sequencing strategies are cheaper and faster than ever before. Despite this progress, every sequencing platform to date relies on reading the genome in small, abstract fragments, typically of less than 1000 bases in length. The overarching aim of the optical map is to complement the information derived from DNA sequencing by providing long-range context on which these short sequence reads can be built. This is typically done using an enzyme to target and modify at short DNA sequences of, say, six bases in length throughout the genome. By accurately placing these short pieces of sequence on long genomic DNA fragments, up to several millions of bases in length, a scaffold for sequence assembly can be obtained. This review focuses on three enzymatic approaches to optical mapping. Optical mapping was first developed using restriction enzymes to sequence-specifically cleave DNA that is immobilized on a surface. More recently, nicking enzymes have found application in the sequence-specific fluorescent labeling of DNA for optical mapping. Such covalent modification allows the DNA to be imaged in solution, and this, in combination with developing nanofluidic technologies, is enabling new high-throughput approaches to mapping. And, finally, this review will discuss the recent development of mapping with subdiffraction-limit precision using methyltransferase enzymes to label the DNA with an ultrahigh density.     

Direct Chloroplast Sequencing: Comparison of Sequencing Platforms and Analysis Tools for Whole Chloroplast Barcoding

Direct sequencing of total plant DNA using next generation sequencing technologies generates a whole chloroplast genome sequence that has the potential to provide a barcode for use in plant and food identification. Advances in DNA sequencing platforms may make this an attractive approach for routine plant identification. The HiSeq (Illumina) and Ion Torrent (Life Technology) sequencing platforms were used to sequence total DNA from rice to identify polymorphisms in the whole chloroplast genome sequence of a wild rice plant relative to cultivated rice (cv. Nipponbare). Consensus chloroplast sequences were produced by mapping sequence reads to the reference rice chloroplast genome or by de novo assembly and mapping of the resulting contigs to the reference sequence. A total of 122 polymorphisms (SNPs and indels) between the wild and cultivated rice chloroplasts were predicted by these different sequencing and analysis methods. Of these, a total of 102 polymorphisms including 90 SNPs were predicted by both platforms. Indels were more variable with different sequencing methods, with almost all discrepancies found in homopolymers. The Ion Torrent platform gave no apparent false SNP but was less reliable for indels. The methods should be suitable for routine barcoding using appropriate combinations of sequencing platform and data analysis.     

A Modular, Positive Selection Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Vector with Multiple Cloning Sites

To construct large-insert libraries for the sequencing, mapping, and functional studies of complex genomes, we have constructed a new modular bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector, pBACe3.6 (GenBank Accession No. U80929). This vector contains multiple cloning sites located within the sacB gene, allowing positive selection for recombinant clones on sucrose-containing medium. A recognition site for the PI-SceI nuclease has also been included, which permits linearization of recombinant DNA irrespective of the characteristics of the insert sequences. An attTn7 sequence present in pBACe3.6 permits retrofitting of BAC clones by Tn7-mediated insertion of desirable sequence elements into the vector portion. The ability to retrofit BAC clones will be useful for functional analysis of genes carried on the cloned inserts. The pBACe3.6 vector has been used for the construction of many genomic libraries currently serving as resources for large-scale mapping and sequencing.     

A rapid single-stranded cloning strategy for producing a sequential series of overlapping clones for use in DNA sequencing: application to sequencing the corn mitochondrial 18 S rDNA

A simple new procedure was described for producing a sequential series of overlapping clones for use in DNA sequencing. The technique used single-stranded M13 DNA and complementary DNA oligomers to form specific cleavage and ligation substrates. It was, therefore, independent of the sequence of the DNA cloned into the vector. Deletions of varying sizes were generated from one end of the insert through the 3' to 5' exonuclease activity of T4 DNA polymerase. The approximate size of the deletion and therefore the starting point for DNA sequencing could be estimated by electrophoresis of the subcloned phage DNA on a agarose gel. This greatly reduced the number of templates that must be sequenced to obtain a complete sequence. The entire procedure could be carried out in one tube in less than a day. The procedure was used to subclone and sequence the maize mitochondrial 18 S rDNA and 5' flanking region (2622 bases) in less than a week. Other applications of oligomers and single-stranded DNA in the construction of insertions, deletions, and cDNAs are discussed.     

New strategies for DNA sequencing and determining protein location in genomic DNA]

A new technique of DNA sequencing by hybridization with oligonucleotide matrix (SHOM) has been tested in model experiments. The paper also describes a number of new approaches to protein identification and their mapping on any particular region of genomic DNA.     

Chemical DNA sequencing in the opposite direction to the dideoxy chain termination method, using a single preparation of M13 single-stranded DNA

A strategy has been developed allowing the use of a single preparation of single-stranded DNA clones for chemical DNA sequencing in the opposite direction to the classical dideoxy chain termination method. Oligonucleotide complementary to the 5'-end of the multipurpose cloning sequence, with the proper restriction enzyme, is used to cleave specifically the molecules to expose a unique 5'-end, upstream to the inserted DNA, for the kinase labeling reaction. No further treatments are necessary before Maxam-Gilbert chemical sequencing reactions.     

A new PCR based method for the generation of nested deletions.

We have developed a simple, PCR-based protocol, random primed/anchored-PCR (RPA-PCR), that allows the selective amplification and efficient cloning of segments that are adjacent to any known sequence. We demonstrate that RPA-PCR can be used to prepare a nested set of evenly spaced deletions suitable for DNA sequencing. However, it should also be possible to use this technique for a number of other purposes: generating deletions for the analysis of eukaryotic promoters, extending cDNA clones in the 5' direction, cloning the insertion sites of retroviral proviruses and transposons, and analyzing intron/exon boundaries.     

Organization of a molecular biology workshop in Tunisia

A five day laboratory course in Molecular Biology for PhD students is proposed. The aim of this program, which can be taught by a relatively small staff of experienced scientists, was to introduce basic experimental techniques which are of general use in various fields of biology and biomedicine. These include restriction enzyme purification, restriction mapping, polymerase chain reaction, cloning and DNA sequencing.