EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) can be used as BrdU (5-bromo-2'- Deoxyuridine) surrogate to directly measure de novo DNA synthesis or S-phase synthesis in the cell cycle using click chemistry. Click chemistry is a method of covalently coupling azides and alkynes. When detecting EdU, the detection is achieved by using a click reaction between EdU and an azide-modified fluorescent dye catalyzed by copper (I) to form a stable triazole ring. Due to the small size of the click detection reagents, DNA can be obtained without the need for vigorous denaturation steps. Eliminating this step results in more reproducible results, a simpler and faster protocol, and the ability to easily perform multiplexing with relevant antibody-based targets, including phospho-histone H3, Ki-67, and cyclin B1. For measurement, BrdU can also be used for dual-pulse experiments via flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, microtiter plates (HTS), or high-throughput imaging (HCS).

Research use only. Not for use in the treatment or diagnosis of any animal or human being.