Flexible chromosome painting based on multiplex PCR of oligonucleotides and its application for comparative chromosome analyses in Cucumis

Chromosome painting is a powerful technique for chromosome and genome studies. We developed a flexible chromosome painting technique based on multiplex PCR of a synthetic oligonucleotide (oligo) library in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., 2n = 14). Each oligo in the library was associated with a universal as well as nested specific primers for amplification, which allow the generation of different probes from the same oligo library. We were also able to generate double‐stranded labelled oligos, which produced much stronger signals than single‐stranded labelled oligos, by amplification using fluorophore‐conjugated primer pairs. Oligos covering cucumber chromosome 1 (Chr1) and chromosome 4 (Chr4) consisting of eight segments were synthesized in one library. Different oligo probes generated from the library painted the corresponding chromosomes/segments unambiguously, especially on pachytene chromosomes. This technique was then applied to study the homoeologous relationships among cucumber, C. hystrix and C. melo chromosomes based on cross‐species chromosome painting using Chr4 probes. We demonstrated that the probe was feasible to detect interspecies chromosome homoeologous relationships and chromosomal rearrangement events. Based on its advantages and great convenience, we anticipate that this flexible oligo‐painting technique has great potential for the studies of the structure, organization, and evolution of chromosomes in any species with a sequenced genome.     

金色链霉菌DM-1全基因组序列测定及去甲金霉素合成基因簇分析

金色链霉菌Streptomyces aureofaciens DM-1是去甲基金霉素的高产菌株。通过Genome Sequencer FLX系统进行测序,得到一条完整的线性基因组序列,长度为6 824 334 bp,GC含量为72.6%。结合软件glimmer 3.02、Genemark和Z-Curve program进行基因预测,最终在其基因组中鉴定出6 431个基因。应用AntiSMASH软件预测其基因组中存在28个次级代谢生物合成基因簇,其中包含了去甲基金霉素生物合成基因簇。其中甲基转移酶CtcK因移码突变提前终止翻译,很可能是去甲基金霉素相对金霉素 (CTC) 缺失一个甲基的根本原因。研究结果为S. aureofaciens DM-1的功能基因组学和去甲基金霉素高产菌株育种提供了研究基础。