Mapping the Trypanosoma cruzi genome: analyses of representative cosmid libraries

In order to generate contiguous cosmid coverage of the genome of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi for large-scale sequence analysis, a cosmid library of 36864 individual, primary clones was generated. Total genomic DNA of the reference strain CL Brener was fragmented both by partial digestion with MboI and by physical shearing. For cloning, a modified cosmid vector was used that simplifies analyses such as restriction mapping. The library's representation is about 25 genome equivalents, assuming a size of 55 Mb per haploid genome. No chimerism of inserts in the clones could be detected. The colinearity between cosmid inserts and genomic DNA was verified. Also, hybridizations to the gel-separated karyotype of the organism were carried out as a quality check. Gridded onto two nylon filters, the library was analyzed with a variety of probes. Apart from being used for combined physical and transcriptional mapping of the genome, library filters and clones are also available to interested parties.