Ivan Labat

Sequencing of megabase plus DNA by hybridization: Theory of the method

A mismatch-free hybridization of oligonucleotides containing from 11 to 20 monomers to unknown DNA represents, in essence, a sequencing of a complementary target. Realizing this, we have used probability calculations and, in part, computer simulations to estimate the types and numbers of oligonucleotides that would have to be synthesized in order to sequence a megabase plus segment of DNA. We estimate that 95,000 specific mixes of 11-mers, mainly of the 5(A,T,C,G)(A,T,C,G)N8(A,T,C,G)3 type, hybridized consecutively to dot blots of cloned genomic DNA fragments would provide primary data for the sequence assembly. An optimal mixture of representative libraries in M13 vector, having inserts of (i) 7 kb, (ii) 0.5 kb genomic fragments randomly ligated in up to 10-kb inserts, and (iii) tandem jumping fragments 100 kb apart in the genome, will be needed. To sequence each million base pairs of DNA, one would need hybridization data from about 2100 separate hybridization sample dots. Inevitable gaps and uncertainties in alignment of sequenced fragments arising from nonrandom or repetitive sequence organization of complex genomes and difficulties in cloning poisonous sequences in Escherichia coli, inherent to large sequencing by any method, have been considered and minimized by choice of libraries and number of subclones used for hybridization. Because it is based on simpler biochemical procedures, our method is inherently easier to automate than existing sequencing methods. The sequence can be derived from simple primary data only by extensive computing. Phased experimental tests and computer simulations increasing in complexity are needed before accurate estimates can be made in terms of cost and speed of sequencing by the new approach. Nevertheless, sequencing by hybridization should show advantages over existing methods because of the inherent redundancy and parallelism in its data gathering.

SBH and the integration of complementary approaches in the mapping, sequencing, and understanding of complex genomes

A variant of sequencing by hybridization (SBH) is being developed with a potential to inexpensively determine up to 100 million base pairs per year. The method comprises (1) arraying short clones in 864-well plates; (2) growth of the M13 clones or PCR of the inserts; (3) automated spotting of DNAs by corresponding pin-arrays; (4) hybridization of dotted samples with 200-3000 [sup 32]P- or [sup 33]P-labeled 6- to 8-mer probes; and (5) scoring hybridization signals using storage phosphor plates. Some 200 7- to 8-mers can provide an inventory of the genes if CDNA clones are hybridized, or can define the order of 2-kb genomic clones, creating physical and structural maps with 100-bp resolution; the distribution of G+C, LINEs, SINEs, and gene families would be revealed. cDNAs that represent new genes and genomic clones in regions of interest selected by SBH can be sequenced by a gel method. Uniformly distributed clones from the previous step will be hybridized with 2000--3000 6- to 8-mers. As a result, approximately 50--60% of the genomic regions containing members of large repetitive and gene families and those families represented in GenBank would be completely sequenced. In the less redundant regions, every base pair is expected to bemorexa0» read with 3-4 probes, but the complete sequence can not be reconstructed. Such partial sequences allow the inference of similarity and the recognition of coding, regulatory, and repetitive sequences, as well as study of the evolutionary processes all the way up to the species delineation.«xa0less

Simulations of ordering and sequence reconstruction of random DNA clones hybridized with a small number of oligomeric probes

The sequencing by hybridization (SBH) method has been developed for assaying millions of 0.5 to 2-kb-long clones. This opens up an efficient way for defining the order of short clones and creating a physical map at 100-bp resolution. Moreover, complete sequences can be obtained using a modest number (about 3,000) of probes if hybridization and gel sequence data from overlapped or similar sequences are used. In light of these possibilities, various heuristic algorithms have been developed and tested in simulation experiments. This approach can influence the interpretation of the intuitively obvious term, ``known sequence.``

Requirements in screening cDNA libraries for new genes and solutions offered by SBH technology

Under different assumptions about the total number of genes, the number of housekeeping and tissue-specific genes, and the difference in the number of mRNAs per cell for functional and nonfunctional genes, significantly different results can be expected from screening random cDNA clones. We have developed gene expression models as a guide for interpretation of experimental results. For statistical, biological, and technical reasons, the search for 100,000 plus genes and discrimination between nonfunctional, housekeeping, and tissue-specific genes requires the analysis of up to 10 million clones from 20 to 50 tissues. Oligonucleotide hybridization of dense clone blots is an inexpensive and fast way to screen such large clone sets. Our preliminary results on control clones and thousands of cDNA clones from an infant brain library demonstrate the feasibility of the method.