An improved strategy for rapid direct sequencing of both strands of long DNA molecules cloned in a plasmid

Abstract

A strategy for kilo-base sequencing of a target DNA cloned in plasmid pWR34 is described. A long target DNA is progressively shortened from one end, by digestion with BAL31 nuclease or exonuclease III and nuclease S1, followed by cleaving off the shortened vector DNA. The family of the shortened target DNA molecule is next cloned in between the StuI site on one end, and a cohesive-ended restriction site on the other end, within the polylinker region of pWR34. DNA fragments cloned into this plasmid are sequenced directly by using a synthetic oligonucleotide primer, which binds to one side of the polylinker region using the dideoxynucleotide chain-termination method. The plasmid DNA, easily obtained by adoption of a rapid mini-preparation, is usually pure enough for direct DNA sequencing. Thus, both strands of any DNA several thousand base pairs in length can be completely sequenced (using two different primers) with ease within a short time, without the need for constructing a physical map.