Vectors for inserting selectable markers in vector arms and human DNA inserts of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs)

To facilitate studies of gene expression and homologous recombination, plasmids have been developed which permit the insertion of neomycin resistance-encoding gene (NmR) into either the human DNA insert or the vector arm of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC). To integrate into the YAC arm, the plasmid pRV1 contains a LYS2 (encoding alpha-aminoadipate reductase) gene for selection in the yeast host, and a NmR gene for subsequent selection after transfection of mammalian cells. These two sequences are bracketed by fragments of the URA3 gene (encoding orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase) that can disrupt the URA3 gene in the YAC arm by homologous recombination in yeast. To integrate a selectable marker into the insert, the plasmid pRV2 contains a NmR gene and an intact copy of the URA3 gene, bracketed by segments of an L1 (LINEs) repetitive element. In this case, the vector has been designed for use with YACs that have already been fitted in the vector arm with a different marker (i.e., TK) that has disrupted the URA3 gene in the vector arm. Selection is for the restoration of URA3 gene activity attendant on recombination into an L1 element in the YAC insert. Use of the vectors is illustrated with a YAC clone containing ribosomal DNA.