Definition of the linear sequence of chromosomes XX and XVIII of clone CL Brener (Trypanosoma cruzi): integration of physical map (YAC contigs) and genetic map (localization of genetic markers on chromosomal bands) with nucleotide sequencing

• Grant number: 09/11168-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2010
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: José Franco da Silveira Filho
• Grantee: Danielle Rodrigues Cortez Maldonado
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The final assembly of the chromosomes of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is a fundamental step for the construction of genetic maps and understanding the genetics of this parasite. To date, the complete linear sequence of T. cruzi chromosomes has not been determined This is due to the large number of repetitive sequences in the genome, it is not possible to align the contig sequences by computer programs available. Recently, the sequences of nucleotides generated in the Genome Project of T. cruzi have been grouped in platforms, defined as "chromosomes". Most of the "chromosomes" assembled in silico have considerable gaps due to the presence of repetitive sequences. These regions are not covered by BAC clones (Bacterium Artificial Chromosome) used in this assembly. In this project we intend to allocate the "chromosomes" established in silico to chromosomal bands separated by PFGE, and generate physical maps of chromosomes with contigs of YACs. The inclusion of physical map constructed with YACs in our platform is important to define the chromosomal regions containing repetitive sequences that are not normally covered by BACS. As a result of this strategy we hope to determine the complete linear sequence of two megachromosomes of clone CL Brener.