Cloning Of Large DNA Fragments Research Articles

Combining Fusion of Cells with CRISPR-Cas9 Editing for the Cloning of Large DNA Fragments or Complete Bacterial Genomes in Yeast.

The genetic engineering of genome fragments larger than 100 kbp is challenging and requires both specific methods and cloning hosts. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered as a host of choice for cloning and engineering whole or partial genomes from viruses, bacteria, and algae. Several methods are now available to perform these manipulations, each with its own limitations. In order to extend the range of yeast cloning strategies, a new approach combining two already described methods, Fusion cloning and CReasPy-Cloning, was developed. The CReasPy-Fusion method allows the simultaneous cloning and engineering of megabase-sized genomes in yeast by the fusion of bacterial cells with yeast spheroplasts carrying the CRISPR-Cas9 system. With this new approach, we demonstrate the feasibility of cloning and editing whole genomes from several Mycoplasma species belonging to different phylogenetic groups. We also show that CReasPy-Fusion allows the capture of large genome fragments with high efficacy, resulting in the successful cloning of selected loci in yeast. We finally identify bacterial nuclease encoding genes as barriers for CReasPy-Fusion by showing that their removal from the donor genome improves the cloning efficacy.

An efficient method for targeted cloning of large DNA fragments from Streptomyces.

Cloning of large DNA fragments from microorganisms becomes increasingly important but remains seriously challenging due to the complexity and diversity of genetic background. In particular, the methods with high precision and efficiency are in great need for obtaining intact biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) of microbial natural products. Here, we report a new strategy for targeted cloning of large DNA fragments (TCLD) from different bacteria. Using this method, precise cloning of desired E. coli chromosomal fragments up to 201kb was achieved with 53% positive rate. Moreover, its application in cloning of large BGCs with high G + C content and multiple repetitive sequences was also demonstrated, including the 98kb tylosin BGC (tyl), 128kb daptomycin BGC (dpt), and 127kb salinomycin BGC (sal). Subsequently, heterologous expression of the cloned tyl BGC in Streptomyces coelicolor M1146 led to the production of tylosins in the resulting recombinant strains. And also, its introduction into Streptomyces fradiae ATCC 19609, a native producer of tylosin, effectively increased tylosin yield to 230%. Hence, TCLD is a powerful tool for cloning large BGCs and would facilitate the discovery of bioactive substances from microbial resources. KEY POINTS: • TCLD is an efficient method for cloning large DNA fragments. • Repeat sequence-mediated intra-molecular cyclization improves the cloning efficiency. • TCLD combined with scarless editing allows unlimited modifications on BGCs.

Mobilization of cryptic antibiotic biosynthesis loci from human-pathogenic Nocardia.

The cloning and heterologous expression of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters has helped to identify many new bioactive molecules and conclusively connect genes to compounds. Much of this work has been performed on gene clusters from the natural product powerhouse genus, Streptomyces. However, other actinomycetes, such as Nocardia, have clear potential to produce bioactive molecules, but a lack of genetic systems for manipulation of their genomes has hampered progress. As such, systems for the cloning of large DNA fragments, such as transformation associated recombination (TAR), provide opportunities to move genes of interest from a native host into a more genetically tractable heterologous organism, thereby allowing natural product biosynthesis to be further explored. Here, we present a protocol to identify, clone and heterologously express biosynthetic gene clusters from the genus Nocardia to assist in the identification of novel bioactive natural products.

An anaerobic bacterium host system for heterologous expression of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters

Anaerobic bacteria represent an overlooked rich source of biological and chemical diversity. Due to the challenge of cultivation and genetic intractability, assessing the capability of their biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolite production requires an efficient heterologous expression system. However, this kind of host system is still unavailable. Here, we use the facultative anaerobe Streptococcus mutans UA159 as a heterologous host for the expression of BGCs from anaerobic bacteria. A natural competence based large DNA fragment cloning (NabLC) technique was developed, which can move DNA fragments up to 40-kb directly and integrate a 73.7-kb BGC to the genome of S. mutans UA159 via three rounds of NabLC cloning. Using this system, we identify an anti-infiltration compound, mutanocyclin, from undefined BGCs from human oral bacteria. We anticipate this host system will be useful for heterologous expression of BGCs from anaerobic bacteria.

A biologically conjugated polysaccharide vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium provides protection against challenge of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli O1 infection.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes avian airsacculitis and colibacillosis, resulting in significant economic loss to the poultry industry. O1, O2 and O78 are the three predominant serotypes. O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide is serotype determinant and highly immunogenic, and O-antigen polysaccharide-based vaccines have great potential for preventing bacterial infections. In this study, we utilized a novel yeast/bacterial shuttle vector pSS26 to clone the 10.8kb operon synthesizing APEC O1 O-antigen polysaccharide. The resulting plasmid was introduced into attenuated Salmonella vaccines to deliver this O-antigen polysaccharide. O1 O-antigen was stably synthesized in attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium, demonstrated by slide agglutination, silver staining and western blot. Our results also showed that APEC O1 O-antigen produced in the Salmonella vaccines was attached to bacterial cell surfaces, and the presence of heterologous O-antigen did not alter the resistance to surface-acting agents. Furthermore, birds immunized orally or intramuscularly provided protection against the virulent O1 APEC challenge. Salmonella vaccines carrying APEC O1 O-antigen gene cluster also induced high IgG and IgA immune responses against lipopolysaccharide from the APEC O1 strain. The use of our novel shuttle vector facilitates cloning of large DNA fragments, and this strategy could pave the way for production of Salmonella-vectored vaccines against prevalent APEC serotypes.

A strategy for seamless cloning of large DNA fragments from Streptomyces.

We report a novel method for the seamless cloning of large DNA fragments (SCLF) of up to 44 kb or larger from Streptomyces chromosomal DNA. SCLF is based on homologous recombination in Streptomyces and is easy to perform. The strategy of SCLF is to flank the target sequence in the chromosomal DNA with two identical restriction sites by the insertion of plasmids containing that site at either end of the fragment, which is then isolated by plasmid rescue through the self-ligation of restriction digested genomic DNA. The method involves three steps: (i) placing a certain restriction site (CRS) at the 3'-end of the target sequence by insertion through homologous recombination of a plasmid containing the CRS; (ii) inserting through homologous recombination at the 5'-end of the target sequence a linearized self-suicide vector with the identical CRS; (iii) digesting the genomic DNA with the certain restriction enzyme followed by self-ligation in order to plasmid rescue the target fragment. SCLF can be applied to other Actinomycetales, and further optimizations may reduce the amount of time required to perform this technique.

Site‐specific recombination for cloning of large DNA fragments in vitro

Natural‐product biosynthetic gene clusters are composed of large DNA fragments, which are difficult to synthesize in vitro. In this study, a Streptomyces phage site‐specific ΦBT1 integrase‐mediated recombination reaction was employed to obtain the 55 kb erythromycin biosynthesis gene cluster of Saccharopolyspora erythraea. Genome fragments inserted by ΦBT1 integrase recognition att‐sites (attachment site of bacteria and attachment site of phage) and two selectable markers (aphII gene and aac(3)IV gene) on both sides of the target gene cluster were extracted and subjected to an in vitro site‐specific recombination reaction to yield a plasmid pZB201 carrying the erythromycin biosynthesis gene cluster. This technique avoids mutations caused by PCR and limitations caused by restriction enzyme sites, making heterologous expression much more effective and convenient.

Progress of in vivo Direct Cloning of Large DNA Fragments

Cloning of interest DNA is necessary for functional analysis of genome sequences and research on metabolically engineered pathways of modern producer strains. Methods to precisely clone large DNA fragments include library constructing and screening,PCR amplification and various different DNA assembly methods in vitro. In addition,direct cloning by homologous recombination in vivo has more advantages in the cloning and engineering of long DNA sequences. The main methods of direct cloning of large DNA fragments in vivo via Red / ET recombination system and its applications were introduced.

One-step Agrobacterium mediated transformation of eight genes essential for rhizobium symbiotic signaling using the novel binary vector system pHUGE.

Advancement in plant research is becoming impaired by the fact that the transfer of multiple genes is difficult to achieve. Here we present a new binary vector for Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation, pHUGE-Red, in concert with a cloning strategy suited for the transfer of up to nine genes at once. This vector enables modular cloning of large DNA fragments by employing Gateway technology and contains DsRED1 as visual selection marker. Furthermore, an R/Rs inducible recombination system was included allowing subsequent removal of the selection markers in the newly generated transgenic plants. We show the successful use of pHUGE-Red by transferring eight genes essential for Medicago truncatula to establish a symbiosis with rhizobia bacteria as one 74 kb T-DNA into four non-leguminous species; strawberry, poplar, tomato and tobacco. We provide evidence that all transgenes are expressed in the root tissue of the non-legumes. Visual control during the transformation process and subsequent marker gene removal makes the pHUGE-Red vector an excellent tool for the efficient transfer of multiple genes.

Gram negative shuttle BAC vector for heterologous expression of metagenomic libraries

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors enable stable cloning of large DNA fragments from single genomes or microbial assemblages. A novel shuttle BAC vector was constructed that permits replication of BAC clones in diverse Gram-negative species. The “Gram-negative shuttle BAC” vector (pGNS-BAC) uses the F replicon for stable single-copy replication in E. coli and the broad-host-range RK2 mini-replicon for high-copy replication in diverse Gram-negative bacteria. As with other BAC vectors containing the oriV origin, this vector is capable of an arabinose-inducible increase in plasmid copy number. Resistance to both gentamicin and chloramphenicol is encoded on pGNS-BAC, permitting selection for the plasmid in diverse bacterial species. The oriT from an IncP plasmid was cloned into pGNS-BAC to enable conjugal transfer, thereby allowing both electroporation and conjugation of pGNS-BAC DNA into bacterial hosts. A soil metagenomic library was constructed in pGNS-BAC-1 (the first version of the vector, lacking gentamicin resistance and oriT), and recombinant clones were demonstrated to replicate in diverse Gram-negative hosts, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella enterica, Serratia marcescens, Vibrio vulnificus and Enterobacter nimipressuralis. This shuttle BAC vector can be utilized to clone genomic DNA from diverse sources, and then transfer it into diverse Gram-negative bacterial species to facilitate heterologous expression of recombinant pathways.

Toward Cloning of the Magnetotactic Metagenome: Identification of Magnetosome Island Gene Clusters in Uncultivated Magnetotactic Bacteria from Different Aquatic Sediments

In this report, we describe the selective cloning of large DNA fragments from magnetotactic metagenomes from various aquatic habitats. This was achieved by a two-step magnetic enrichment which allowed the mass collection of environmental magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) virtually free of nonmagnetic contaminants. Four fosmid libraries were constructed and screened by end sequencing and hybridization analysis using heterologous magnetosome gene probes. A total of 14 fosmids were fully sequenced. We identified and characterized two fosmids, most likely originating from two different alphaproteobacterial strains of MTB that contain several putative operons with homology to the magnetosome island (MAI) of cultivated MTB. This is the first evidence that uncultivated MTB exhibit similar yet differing organizations of the MAI, which may account for the diversity in biomineralization and magnetotaxis observed in MTB from various environments.

Cloning and stable maintenance of DNA fragments over 300 kb in Escherichia coli with conventional plasmid-based vectors.

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) systems were previously developed for cloning of very large eukaryotic DNA fragments in bacteria. We report the feasibility of cloning very large fragments of eukaryotic DNA in bacteria using conventional plasmid-based vectors. One conventional plasmid vector (pGEM11), one conventional binary plasmid vector (pSLJ1711) and one conventional binary cosmid vector (pCLD04541) were investigated using the widely used BAC (pBeloBAC11 and pECBAC1) and BIBAC (BIBAC2) vectors as controls. The plasmid vector pGEM11 yielded clones ranging in insert sizes from 40 to 100 kb, whereas the two binary vectors pCLD04541 and pSLJ1711 yielded clones ranging in insert sizes from 40 to 310 kb. Analysis of the pCLD04541 and pSLJ1711 clones indicated that they had insert sizes and stabilities similar to the BACs and BIBACs. Our findings indicate that conventional plasmid-based vectors are capable of cloning and stably maintaining DNA fragments as large as BACs and PACs in bacteria. These results suggest that many existing plasmid-based vectors, including plant and animal transformation and expression binary vectors, could be directly used for cloning of very large eukaryotic DNA fragments. The pCLD04541 and pSLJ1711 clones were shown to be present at at least 4-5 copies/cell. The high stability of these clones indicates that stability of clones does not seem contingent on single-copy status. The insert sizes and the copy numbers of the pCLD04541 and pSLJ1711 clones indicate that Escherichia coli can stably maintain at least 1200 kb of foreign DNA per cell. These results provide a new conceptual and theoretical basis for development of improved and new vectors for large DNA fragment cloning and transformation. According to this discovery, we have established a system for large DNA fragment cloning in bacteria using the two binary vectors, with which several very large-insert DNA libraries have been developed.

A new vector for recombination-based cloning of large DNA fragments from yeast artificial chromosomes.

The functional analysis of genes frequently requires manipulation of large genomic regions embedded in yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). We have designed a yeast-bacteria shuttle vector, pClasper, that can be used to clone specific regions of interest from YACs by homologous recombination. The important feature of pClasper is the presence of the mini-F factor replicon. This leads to a significant increase in the size of the plasmid inserts that can be maintained in bacteria after cloning by homologous recombination in yeast. The utility of this vector lies in its ability to maintain large fragments in bacteria and yeast, allowing for mutagenesis in yeast and simplified preparation of plasmid DNA in bacteria. Using PCR-generated recombinogenic fragments in pClasper we cloned a 27 kb region from a YAC containing the Hoxc cluster and a 130 kb region containing the entire Hoxb cluster. No rearrangements were seen when the recombinants in the shuttle vector were transferred to bacteria. We outline the potential uses of pClasper for functional studies of large genomic regions by transgenic and other analyses.

New in-vivo cloning methods by homologous recombination in yeast

We have devised a new strategy to clone DNA sequences from an yeast autonomously-propagating plasmid into a non-autonomous integrative vector by in-vivo recombination. The method consists of a first step in which the replicative plasmid carrying the DNA fragment of interest forms a co-integrate with the non-replicative plasmid by an induced in-vivo reciprocal exchange accompanied by gene conversion. The dimeric plasmid obtained is then purified and cut with an appropriate restriction enzyme and ligated independently to obtain the two intact monomeric plasmids, the original autonomous plasmid plus the new non-autonomous plasmid carrying the subcloned DNA fragment. The dimeric co-integrate can also serve as substrate for a second in-vivo reciprocal exchange that produces new autonomous plasmids carrying the desired DNA fragment. The technique considerably expands the applications of in-vivo cloning in yeast by complementing three important characteristics of previously published methods: (1) it can be used to clone into non-propagating vectors; (2) co-transformation experiments are not required; and (3) the intermediate co-integrate can be used to generate new types of autonomously-propagating plasmids directly. These characteristics are independent of whether the DNA insert is flanked by appropriate restriction sites or whether it does, or does not, express a detectable phenotype in yeast. The method is particularly useful for the cloning of large DNA fragments and can be used for plasmids from organisms other than yeasts.

YAC mapping by FISH using Alu-PCR-generated probes

Human genomic mapping has been greatly advanced by the independent development of three new methods: large DNA fragment cloning in yeast artificial chromosomes, amplification from complex DNAs of human specific segments by Alu-PCR, and high-resolution localization of complex DNA probes by fluorescent in situ hybridization. We describe here the combination of these three analytical tools for efficient and accurate localization of randomly screened or especially selected human YAC recombinants to chromosome 11. We map a YAC clone encompassing the pepsinogen A (PGA) locus to 11q13.1–11q13.3.

Chromosomal in situ hybridization using yeast artificial chromosomes

Large DNA fragment cloning methods using yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) have vastly improved the strategies for constructing physical maps of regions of complex genomes, as well as for isolating and cloning genes important for human disease. We present here a simple and rapid method for carrying out in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes using isolated YAC clones by labeling DNA directly in agarose gel slices. Nonisotopic labeling and chromosomal in situ hybridization can be used to determine the chromosomal localization of individual YAC clones on human metaphase chromosomes. This method can also be used to characterize YAC clones consisting of single fragments from those that contain concatamerized, and thus artifactual, inserts. This technique also offers a valuable tool to study consistent translocations in neoplastic diseases by identifying YACs that span a specific chromosomal breakpoint.

Separation and analysis of DNA by electrophoresis.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, the polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis represent major technical advances in DNA electrophoresis in the last few years. This has lead to a number of new applications, including the cloning of large DNA fragments, multiplex analysis of DNA samples, and the detection of single base changes in DNA. New fluorescent and chemiluminescent techniques promise to simplify detection methods.

Cloning of large DNA fragments, which hybridize with actinorhodin biosynthesis genes, from kalafungin and nanaomycin a methyl ester producers and identification of genes for kalafungin biosynthesis of the kalafungin producer.

Large actI, III-homologous DNA fragments were isolated from genomic libraries of the strains that produce the benzoisochromanequinone antibiotics kalafungin and nanaomycin A methyl ester, Streptomyces tanashiensis strain Kala and Streptomyces sp. OM-173, respectively. These libraries were prepared in Escherichia coli JM108 by using a novel Streptomyces-E. coli bifunctional cosmid, pKU205, and screened with polyketide synthase genes (actI and III) for actinorhodin biosynthesis from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) as probes. The cloned DNA fragments (28 and 42 kb) were analyzed by hybridization with DNA containing actinorhodin biosynthetic genes (actI, II, III, IV, VA, VB, VI and VII). Both fragments hybridized with the actI, III, VA and VI regions, but not with the actII, IV, VB and VII regions. The cloned fragment of S. tanashiensis DNA was analyzed by complementation tests with kalafungin-nonproducing mutants. Seven genes (kalI approximately VII), which correspond to seven steps in kalafungin biosynthesis, were found to be located on a 14 kb continuous DNA fragment. Five of the genes were located on the regions homologous to the genes for actinorhodin biosynthesis, but the other two genes were not. Although kalafungin is an intermediate or shunt product in actinorhodin biosynthesis in S. coelicolor A3(2), the genes for kalafungin biosynthesis in S. tanashiensis are not identical with those in S. coelicolor A3(2).

Isolation of cDNA clones using yeast artificial chromosome probes

The cloning of large DNA fragments of hundreds of kilobases in Yeast artificial chromosomes, has simplified the analysis of regions of the genome previously cloned by cosmid walking. The mapping of expressed sequences within cosmid contigs has relied on the association of genes with sequence motifs defined by rare-cutting endonucleases, and the identification of sequence conservation between species. We reasoned that if the contribution of repetitive sequences to filter hybridizations could be minimised, then the use of large cloned DNAs as hybridisation probes to screen cDNA libraries would greatly simplify the characterisation of hitherto unidentified genes. In this paper we demonstrate the use of this approach by using a YAC, containing 180 kb of human genomic DNA including the aldose reductase gene, as a probe to isolate an aldose reductase cDNA from a lambda gt11 human foetal liver cDNA library.

Use of a gene replacement cosmid vector for cloning alginate conversion genes from mucoid and nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains: algS controls expression of algT.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can convert to a mucoid colony morphology by a genetic mechanism called alginate conversion; this results in the production of copious amounts of the exopolysaccharide alginate. The mucoid phenotype of P. aeruginosa is commonly associated with its ability to cause chronic pulmonary tract infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. In this study we isolated the cis-acting locus involved in alginate conversion, called algS, from both mucoid and nonmucoid isogenic strains. We then examined the role of algS in the control of algT, a trans-active gene required for alginate production in P. aeruginosa. We used a new cosmid cloning vector, called pEMR2, that permitted both the cloning of large DNA fragments and their subsequent gene replacement in P. aeruginosa. To verify the predicted properties of this vector, we isolated and tested a pEMR2 hisI+ clone. Using cloned algS-containing DNA and a method for gene replacement, we constructed isogenic strains of P. aeruginosa that had Tn501 adjacent to algS on the chromosome. Two pEMR2 clone banks containing genomic fragments from isogenic algS(On) (exhibiting the alginate production phenotype) and algS(Off) (exhibiting the non-alginate production phenotype) strains were constructed, and Tn501 served as an adjacent marker to select for clones containing the respective algS allele. The pEMR2 algS(On) and pEMR2 algS(Off) clones were shown to contain the indicated algS allele by gene replacement with the chromosome of strains that carried the opposite allele. To test whether algS controls the expression of the adjacent algT gene, we constructed a pLAFR1 algS(Off)T clone and showed it to be unable to complement an algT::Tn501 mutation in trans. In contrast, a pLAFR1 algS(On)T clone did complement algT::Tn501 in trans. Thus, algS appears to control the activation of algT expression, bringing about alginate conversion.