Primate Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) containing BAC clones sequencing

We have obtained complete rDNA unit for different primates by performing Whole genome assembly (WGA) using Arachne. The rDNA have two levels of repeat complexity. First, multiple copies are present in the genome and second, there are number of repeat elements within a single rDNA unit. Many repeats found in the rDNA are also present in other regions of the genome. Therefore, reads from the repeats from other regions may have misassembled with the rDNA reads. To verify the WGA rDNA sequences are correct we have employed rDNA containing BAC clones from the respective primate. To obtain rDNA containing BAC clones, whole genome BAC libraries obtained from CHORI for the individual primates (Gorilla, Sumatran Orangutan, Gibbon, Rhesus macaque and Common marmoset) were screened using high-density hybridization filters. The identified rDNA containing BAC clones were then sequenced on the Illumina platform.