Electrophoretic analysis of Histoplasma capsulatum chromosomal DNA.
Seven chromosome-sized DNA molecules in the Downs strain of Histoplasma capsulatum were resolved by using chromosome-specific DNA probes in blot hybridizations of contour-clamped homogeneous electric field (CHEF) and field-inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE) agarose gels. The sizes of the chromosomal DNA bands extended from that of the largest Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome to beyond that of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe chromosomes. Under our experimental conditions, the order of the five largest DNA bands was inverted in the FIGE gel relative to the CHEF gel, demonstrating a characteristic of FIGE whereby large DNA molecules may have greater rather than lesser mobility with increasing size. Comparison of the Downs strain with other H. capsulatum strains by CHEF and FIGE analysis revealed considerable variability in band mobility. The resolution of seven chromosome-sized DNA molecules in the Downs strain provides a minimum estimate of the chromosome number.
Steele
P E
PE
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Carle
G F
GF
Kobayashi
G S
GS
Medoff
G
G
D002875:Chromosomes; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D006658:Histoplasma / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D013045:Species Specificity
D004271:DNA, Fungal