Genoscope is sequencing the genome of the human pathogen Mycoplasma hominis, using the whole genome shotgun strategy. The genome of the type strain PG21 has a size of about 700 kb, with a G+C content of about 29%.It will be sequenced at a depth of about 12X. Three different libraries will be used :

• 3 kb fragments cloned in the pNav vector (high copy number, shuttle vector between E. coli and Acinetobacter);
• 10 kb fragments cloned in the pCNS vector (low copy number);
• and 20-25 kb fragments cloned in the miniBAC vector pBeloBAC11.

From these three libraries, 5,000, 1,500 and 1,000 clones will be sequenced respectively (reads on both ends of the inserts). The reads of the miniBAC clones will be especially useful during the assembly phase (there are 300-500 bp repeat elements), and in the three hypervariable regions dispersed in the genome (genes which code for surface antigens). Furthermore, there is a genetic map of M. hominis PG21 available, on which about 20 loci have been ordered. A manual finishing step will be performed at Genoscope.