BAC libraries enable phylogenetic analysis in Japanese pear

With the rapid expansion of next-generation sequencing, there has been speculation that the backbone technology of older genomic sequencing, large-insert cloning (e.g., using bacterial artificial chromosomes [BACs]) would become less important. However, in many laboratories, BAC libraries still play a role in sequencing and gene expression studies.

In a recent study, Okada et al. screened a library created in the CopyControl™ BAC Cloning Kit (Hind III cloning-ready vector) to study the mechanics of self-incompatibility (inhibiting self-fertilization) in the Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia). The work focused on a DNA contig that contained a 649-kb region around the S-RNase genes. After creation of the BAC library, the selected clones were sequenced using standard ABI BigDye 3.1 sequencing techniques and “old-fashioned” chromosome walking. However, BAC library screening services are increasing turning to next-generation sequencing technologies, due to the ease of rapidly generating large amounts of sequence data with better depth and coverage than traditional Sanger sequencing.

Okada, K. et al. (2010). Related polymorphic F-box protein genes between haplotypes clustering in the BAC contig sequences around the S-RNase of Japanese pear Journal of Experimental Botany DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erq381