Algorithms for Direct Clone-mapping Technology using Scanning Near-field Optical/Atomic Force Microscopy

Although the genome sequencings of several model organisms including human and rice have been finished, the number of organisms required of which genome analyses has been increased every year. However, present genome analysis is a system that requires long period and huge budgets and labors. Recently, we launched out into a project that develops a novel genome analysis method by applying Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), which has a performance to obtain topological and/or fluorescence data with nanometer-scale resolution, to clone mapping and genome sequencing[1]. The method has a potential that realize timeand labor-saving genome analysis. In this project, in addition to the progress of SPM hardware and molecular-biological techniques, the development of new algorithms to automatically mapping clones onto a chromosome (direct clone-mapping) are essential process. We present the outline of this technology and progress of algorithm development.