Leishmania mexicana: the circular DNA 1 (CD1) element contains genes encoding nucleotide-binding protein.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the nucleotide sequence of cloned CD1 fragments from Leishmania mexicana and find ORFs predicted to have protein coding function.

METHODS

CD1 element was separated by CHEF and recovered by agarase, and the digested CD1 fragments were cloned into pZero vector. Nucleotide sequences were determined by the dideoxy chain termination method with the automatic sequencing system ALF using the M13 universal primers. Sequences were analyzed using GCG-PCGENE computer programs.

RESULTS

The sequence with 4,385 nucleotides was determined and two ORFs were considered to have protein coding function (encoding nucleotide-binding protein).

CONCLUSION

Genes encoding nucleotide-binding protein were identified from the amplified CD1 element of Leishmania mexicana.