Genome mapping of medically important yeasts

Physical and genetic maps are important steps in the process of yeast genome exploration. One of the first strategies of physical mapping comprised a combination of whole genome shotgun and restriction analysis of large fragments cloned in BAC/YAC libraries. During last years, new approaches have emerged, such as screening of BAC libraries using PCR assays, BAC pooling strategies or in silico anchoring of BAC clones. Since the first physical map of Saccharomyces cerevisiae published in 1991 and the international project of its genome sequencing accomplished in 1996, the yeast research community developed a series of interconnected programs and databases as important tools in genome evolution understanding, genome annotation and comparative genomics. Advanced genome research and mapping revealed new insights on the genetic basis of pathogenesis related processes of many yeast species of medical importance belonging mainly to Candida and Schizosaccharomyces genera.