Construction of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC/PAC) libraries

Large-insert genomic libraries are necessary for physical mapping of large chromosomal regions, for isolation of complete genes, and for use as intermediates in DNA sequencing of entire genomes. Construction of BAC and PAC libraries is detailed in the unit, including preparation of PAC or BAC vector DNA for cloning by digestion with BamHI or EcoRI, dephosphorylation with alkaline phosphatase, and purification through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). For the preparation of high-molecular weight DNA for cloning, procedures for embedding total genomic DNA from lymphocytes or animal tissue cells are also provided. Other protocols detail partial digestion of genomic DNA with MboI or with a combination of EcoRI endonuclease and EcoRI methylase (including methods for optimizing the extent of digestion), and subsequent size fractionation by preparative PFGE. Finally, the isolation of BAC and PAC plasmid DNA for analyzing clones is also presented.