Isolation and sequence of the t-RNA ligase-encoding gene of Candida albicans

Abstract The gene encoding tRNA ligase from Candida albicans was isolated from a genomic library by complementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain containing a disrupted structural gene, RLG 1, encoding tRNA ligase. The cloned gene also complements a temperature-sensitive allele of RLG 1. Sequence analysis revealed a single 2499-nt coding region. The gene encodes a protein of 833 amino acids that is 42% identical to S. cerevisiae tRNA ligase. Hybridization to chromosomes of C. albicans separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis located the gene to chromosome 1, the smallest C. albicans chromosome.