Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are self-replicating chromosomes used in genetic research to clone large amounts of genetic material for sequencing and mapping. Technicians break up DNA and extract the desired fragment, which is inserted into a vector with telomeres, centromeres, and replication origin sequences. YACs can be ordered from scientific suppliers or created in-house. YACs can be used to isolate and culture yeast expressing the desired DNA, which can be sequenced to determine its function and location. Duplicate samples can reduce the risk of false results.
A yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) is an engineered self-replicating chromosome that can be inserted into yeast cells for reproduction as the cells grow and divide. In genetic research, people may need large amounts of genetic material, and a yeast artificial chromosome can be a useful cloning tool. This is important for sequencing and mapping genetic material, as well as amplifying DNA for testing. Laboratories can create their own YACs or order them from scientific suppliers who can enter the required material for a fee.
To make artificial yeast chromosomes, technicians treat a segment of DNA to break it up and extract the component of interest, a fragment of genetic material. This can be placed into a vector with all the necessary equipment to create a completely artificial chromosome. The genetic material can be replicated during the normal process of cell division once yeast cells are inoculated with it. As the colony grows, copies of the DNA fragment of interest, created by the yeast’s artificial chromosome, also grow.
For a successful yeast artificial chromosome, three components are required in addition to the DNA fragment. The first is telomeres, which limit damage to the ends of the DNA to ensure it is copied correctly. Next is the centromere, which creates an attachment point for spindle fibers used in cell division to orient and divide chromosomes. Finally, replication origin sequences provide a starting point for DNA replication. These factors ensure that the yeast can successfully copy the alien chromosome.
The vectors allow scientists to insert DNA fragments of varying length into yeast colonies. Yeast expressing the desired DNA can be isolated and cultured to encourage further growth and the generation of sufficient genetic material for research. With this in hand, scientists can sequence the fragment and this can help them determine what it does and where it is located within the overall genome. Although human DNA is a common target with yeast artificial chromosomes, it is also possible to use DNA from other organisms.
Laboratories that do not have the facilities to make them can contract out these services. They can also do this if they want independent results that can be replicated by other researchers to verify the conclusions reached in the study. The use of duplicate samples of yeast artificial chromosomes from multiple sources can demonstrate that the results are valid. It can also reduce the risk of false results created by contamination, processing issues, and other issues that can arise in the lab.
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