5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine
5-Ethynyl-2´-deoxyuridine is a thymidine analogue which is incorporated into the DNA of dividing cells. EdU is used to assay DNA synthesis in cell culture and to detect cells which have undergone DNA synthesis in embryonic, neonatal and adult animals. Whilst at high doses it can be cytotoxic, this molecule is now widely used to track proliferating cells in multiple biological systems.
EdU-labelled cells may be isolated to determine the transcript of cells, from neural cancer or tissues that have undergone division in vitro and in vivo.Detection
EdU is detected with a fluorescent azide which forms a covalent bond using click chemistry. Unlike the commonly used bromodeoxyuridine, EdU detection requires no heat or acid treatment. EdU incorporated into DNA induces DNA damage, primarily during DNA replication, which is reflected by phosphorylation of histone H2AX, arrest in the cell cycle progression and apoptosis.
