Recombinant plasmids containing Xenopus laevis globin structural genes derived from complementary DNA

Details are presented of the in vitro synthesis of double-stranded DNA complementary to purified Xenopus globin messenger RNA, using a combination of reverse transcriptase, fragment 'A' of E. coli DNA polymerase 1 and S1 endonuclease. After selection of duplex DNA molecules approaching the length of Xenopus globin messenger RNA by sedimentation of the DNA through neutral sucrose gradients, the 3'-OH termini of the synthetic globin gene sequences were extended with short tracts of oligo dGMP using terminal transferase. This material was integrated into oligo dCMP-extended linear pCR1 plasmid DNA and amplified by transfection of E. coli. Plasmids carrying globin sequences were identified by hybridization of 32P-labelled globin mRNA to total cellular DNA in situ, by hybridization of purified plasmids to globin cDNA in solution, by analysis of recombinant DNA on polyacrylamide and agarose gels, and by heteroduplex mapping. The results show that extensive DNA copies of Xenopus globin mRNA have been integrated into recombinant plasmids.