Whole Chromosome Sequencing Project
With advances in DNA sequencing technology and methods of genome assembly, it is now feasible and cost-effective to pursue a genome sequencing initiative for the axolotl. We are isolating chromosomes by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and using these to make libraries for shotgun sequencing. Several axolotl chromosomes will be sequenced and assembled under this objective, using: paired-end sequenced fosmid clones, BACs, jumping libraries, the Ambystoma Genetic Linkage Map, and ~16M Roche 454 ESTs to facilitate the assembly and annotation process. Accomplishment of this Aim will yield chromosome draft assemblies, establish methods for obtaining additional whole-chromosome assemblies in the future, and permit large-scale genetic and epigenetic studies. The figure below shows progress in generating short-sequence reads from two different chromosome preparations (red, blue) that align to LG2 genetic markers. This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (R24OD010435) and Army Research Office (W911NF1110475).
