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<TITLE>Genomic Gap Closure</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Good Morning,</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I was referred here from the folks at Open Helix, who said you may be helpful in providing guidance as to strategies for genomic gap closure. I have a prokaryotic genome assembly with approximately 10 gaps. Unfortunately each gap is flanked by repetitive elements dispersed throughout the genome, and I cannot design specific primers for those gaps for PCR and sequencing. Most primers designed in the context of the gaps will bind to multiple loci. I have tried numerous things, including projector 2 (open source tool). Can you recommend any tools, strategies, or experts in the field who may be willing to help or provide guidance? Thank you.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Sincerely,</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Stephanie Schwartz</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">CDC, Div. of Bacterial Diseases</FONT>
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