EpiGenie interviews Zymo on tips for PCR of bisulfite-converted DNA

Zymo Research was contacted by EpiGenie, the informally informative web depot of epigenetics news, to discuss PCR of bisulfite-converted DNA. PCR is the most common downstream application for bisulfite-converted DNA, and it’s not surprising that problems associated with amplification of bisulfite-converted DNA are among the most frequently encountered technical issues. Two of our own research staff explain some of the problems and offered solutions in an interview with EpiGenie published January 21 (http://www.epigenie.com/Insights/Bisulfite-Conversion-Amplification-Optimization.html).

The article highlights the advantages of using a hot start DNA polymerase for PCR and also describes the development of ZymoTaq, our robust polymerase specifically designed for amplification of bisulfite-converted DNA. Also, helpful ideas for primer design and PCR cycling conditions are described. PCR primers are often taken for granted, but the EpiGenie interview gives epigenetic scientists important parameters to consider when planning their experiments and links to web resources that can be used for optimizing primer design.

(January 21, 2010)