Library-independent cloning of genomic fragments adjacent to vector integration sites: isolation of the EB4-PSV gene from a Dictyostelium gene disruption transformant.

We have designed an efficient procedure to clone genomic DNA adjacent to the integration site of transformation vectors. Using this method on a Dictyostelium gene disruption transformant, we have cloned a 5kb fragment which has previously escaped isolation by conventional library screening. Our protocol eliminates recloning of the original vectors which are often integrated in multiple tandem copies (1) but specifically recovers vectors containing genomic fragments adjacent to the integration site. The protocol is useful to isolate flanking fragments in gene disruption transformants to characterize flanking regions which may influence the expression of transformed genes by position effects and to identify sites of insertional mutagenesis.