Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for conversion of cytosine to uracil. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid, such as gDNA, is reacted with bisulfite and a polyamine catalyst, such as a triamine or tetra-amine. Optionally, the bisulfite comprises magnesium bisulfite. In other embodiments, a nucleic acid is reacted with magnesium bisulfite, optionally in the presence of a polyamine catalyst and/or a quaternary amine catalyst. Also provided are kits that can be used to carry out methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for conversion of cytosine to uracil. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid, such as gDNA, is reacted with at least one bisulfite salt having the formula X+HSO3? or Y+2(HSO331)2; wherein X+ is ammonium ion, a tetraalkyl ammonium ion, or a group 1A ion other than sodium; and Y+2 is a group 2A ion or a group 7B ion; under conditions effective to convert at least one cytosine nucleobase to a uracil nucleobase. In some embodiments, X+ comprises at least one of lithium ion, potassium ion, ammonium ion, tetraalkylammonium ion, magnesium ion, manganese ion and calcium ion. In some embodiments, the reacting is performed optionally in the presence of a polyamine catalyst and/or a quaternary amine catalyst. Also provided are kits that can be used to carry out methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for the conversion of cytosine to uracil. A nucleic acid, such a gDNA, is reacted with bisulfate, such as magnesium bisulfite, in the presence of a quaternary amine catalyst. Examples of suitable quaternary amine catalysts include but are not limited to quaternary ammonium compounds, quaternary alkyl ammonium salts, quaternary alkyl ammonium halides, quaternary methyl ammonium bromide, quaternary ammonium chloride, tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide, tetraethylammonium chloride, tetrabutyl ammonium chloride, tetrabutyl ammonium bromide. The invention also contemplates kits of premeasured ingredients for carrying out the methods of the invention either on an individual sample or on a plurality of samples.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying bisulfite-treated nucleic acid samples.