Versatile cosmid vectors for facilitated analysis and subcloning of the insert

A series of cosmid vectors, termed pSSVI215, pSSVI216-1, pSSVI216-2, pSSVI217, and pSSVI218, were constructed in order to facilitate the downstream processing of large inserts. Each vector has dual cos sites as well as a kanamycin resistance (KmR) gene flanked by recognition sites for the very rare cutter I-SceI meganuclease as well as symmetrical NotI and SwaI sites (SCEKAN cassette). Several unique cloning sites, including BamHI, are present on one side of the cassette between the I-SceI and NotI/SwaI sites. The various cosmids differ from each other by one or more of the following features: origin of replication (ori), size, host range, and conjugal transfer capability. Inserts combined with the SCEKAN cassette can be isolated on a NotI or SwaI fragment from any of these vectors and easily subcloned into the vector of choice by selecting for the adjacent KmR gene which can later be removed by I-SceI restriction and self-ligation. In addition, the SCEKAN cassette can be conveniently excised from plasmid pSSVI214 such that any plasmid can easily be fitted with the present system. The subcloning strategy afforded by the new vectors was successfully applied to an approximately 37-kb fragment from the V. cholerae O139 genome carrying the rfb locus which encodes the O-serotype specificity of this organism.