Marcus Nordberg used flow cytometer to detect genome size variation. He thought genome variation is primarily due to rDNA cluster size changes. In yeast, rDNA cluster size -> translational speed and accuracy OR extra-chromosomal rDNA circles OR genomic instability. rDNA and ribosomal function is related to lifespan. So, flow cytometer can be used to quickly phenotype rDNA sizes.
Alternatively, qPCR, short-reads mapping, and southern hybridization can be used. In this case, standardized rDNA clusters will be used to generate a standard curve. The rDNA cluster reference strains are available in David Bedwell's lab at UAB.
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