Problem with PCR after bisulphite conversion
 

Hello
i have a problem with PCR. For a period of 4 months the methodology worked pretty fine, with no problems at all. Suddenly, PCR stopped giving visible bands. I have tried almost everything, new primers, new PCR Master mix, new MgCl2, lowering the annealing temp and still doesnt work. Its been a year since and i cant figure out whats wrong.
Any ideas?

:cry:

Re: Problem with PCR after bisulphite conversion
 

Is the template you are using still from the same and first batch? I noticed that the bisulfite treated template degrades over time, even while at -20deg C. It is a crude chemical conversion afterall, shearing most of your DNA anyway. PCR of bisulfite fragments can be troublesome, I use relatively long primers (22-25 bp) in nested setup and been able to produce >1kb fragments using regular taq this way. Touchdown PCR sometimes works to boost yield while keeping specificity. Using nested approach, template selection can be a problem, though for some templates it is unavoidable IMO. Ramp times are different for PCR machines, make sure you use the same machine and program you used earlier.