5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (5-EdU)

EdU detection is a technology that utilizes click chemistry principles to achieve cell proliferation detection. The core process involves two steps: first, EdU, as a thymidine analog containing an acetylene group, is recognized by DNA polymerase during the S phase of the cell cycle and incorporated into newly synthesized DNA strands, thereby marking cells in a proliferative state; secondly, using click chemistry, the acetylene group of EdU reacts with a fluorescent probe containing an azide group under copper ion catalysis to form a stable triazole ring, making the newly synthesized DNA fluorescently labeled. The fluorescent signals can be detected using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry, and the intensity of the fluorescent signals reflects the cell proliferation activity. Compared to traditional BrdU detection, EdU detection does not require antibodies and DNA denaturation, allowing for better preservation of cell morphology and antigen epitopes, is simple to operate, fast (completed within hours), and has high sensitivity, making it suitable for high-throughput screening or live cell labeling. It is a commonly used method in research fields such as cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and tumor growth.