Strategies of gap closure in complete microbial genome sequencing

Abstract:

Gaps in microbial genome sequences may lead to loss of important biological information and cause trouble for further interpretation of genetic information. Gap closure is thus a critical step in completely genome finishing of microorganisms. In this review, we critically summarize six major strategies for gap filling of microbial genomes, including reference alignment, multiplex PCR, genome walking, genome library clone-end sequence, paired-end and whole genome mapping.