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Wide Host-Range Cloning for Functional Metagenomics

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Metagenomics

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 668))

Abstract

We describe how wide host-range cloning vectors can lead to more flexible and effective procedures to isolate novel genes by screening metagenomic libraries in a range of bacterial hosts, not just the conventionally used Escherichia coli. We give examples of various wide host-range plasmid, cosmid, and BAC cloning vectors and the types of genes and activities that have been successfully obtained to date. We present a detailed protocol that involves the construction and screening of a metagenomic library comprising fragments of bacterial DNA, obtained from a wastewater treatment plant and cloned in a wide host-range cosmid. We also consider future prospects and how techniques and tools can be improved.

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Correspondence to Andrew W. B. Johnston .

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© 2010 Humana Press

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Wexler, M., Johnston, A.W.B. (2010). Wide Host-Range Cloning for Functional Metagenomics. In: Streit, W., Daniel, R. (eds) Metagenomics. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 668. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-823-2_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-823-2_5

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-822-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-823-2

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