Identification of Transfer RNA (tRNA) Genes from Candida albicans Genome Using beta Element : A Bioinformatics Approach
Ekachai Chukeatirote* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: Ekachai@mfu.ac.th
Volume: Vol.29 No.3 (DECEMBER 2002)
Research Article
DOI:
Received: 14 March 2002, Revised: -, Accepted: 8 July 2002, Published: -
Citation: Chukeatirote E., Identification of Transfer RNA (tRNA) Genes from Candida albicans Genome Using beta Element : A Bioinformatics Approach, Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2002; 29(3): 173-181.
Abstract
beta element (EMBL accession number Y08494), a 395bp repetitive DNA insert, was previously discovered and found to be associated with transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. By blasting the beta DNA sequence in Candida albicans genome, this relationship has been strengthened as several different tRNA genes, namely Ala-tRNAAGC, Arg-tRNATCT, Asp-tRNAGTC, Glu-tRNATTC, Gly-tRNAGCC, Thr-tRNAAGT, and Val-tRNAAAC, were identified. The beta DNA sequences found upstream of these C. albicans tRNA genes exhibited very high similarity, albeit not identical. Compared to other C. albicans retrotransposons reported to date, preliminary survey indicates that only the beta element appears to be a hot spot harbouring the tRNA genes. The possible role of the beta DNA element as a modulator in tRNA gene expression will be discussed.