BrdU (5’-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine) cell proliferation assay is a mainstream technique for studying cell proliferation and has been used since the 1980s (Miller and Nowakowski 1988). In actively dividing cells, BrdU, a thymidine analog, is incorporated into newly synthesized DNA instead of thymidine. Incorporated BrdU can then be detected using a specific antibody, thereby identifying dividing cells. The technique has many advantages including its low cost and the lack of radioactivity or toxicity of BrdU, when used at low concentrations (Crane and Bhattacharya 2013).
The key to a successful BrdU staining experiment is to find the most specific and suitable anti-BrdU antibody. However, this can be challenging.
At Bio-Rad, we understand the importance of antibody validation and guarantee that the antibodies you purchase are specific and generate reproducible results. Bio-Rad’s premium PrecisionAb label, is reserved for antibodies that meet stringent performance criteria within our validation program to give you complete confidence in the antibodies you use.
Bio-Rad's range of PrecisionAb Anti-BrdU Antibodies can be used for various applications including fluorescent immunocytochemistry (Figure 1) and flow cytometry (Figure 2).
Fig. 1. HeLa cells were treated with BrdU and stained with Rat Anti-BrdU Antibody (MCA6144).
In our anti-BrdU range of antibodies we also offer recombinant anti-BrdU antibodies.
Fig. 2. Jurkat cells were treated with 100 µM BrdU and stained with Human Anti-BrdU Antibody (HCA322). Propidium iodide was used to stain total DNA.
For accurate, reliable, and trustworthy data, try PrecisionAb Anti-BrdU Antibodies .
alamarBlue Cell Proliferation and Viability Reagent
MCM2 Proliferation Detection Antibody
Crane A and Bhattacharya SK (2013). The use of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays to assess corneal stem cell proliferation. Methods Mol Biol 1,014, 65–70.
Miller M and Nowakowski R (1988). Use of bromodeoxyuridine-immunohistochemistry to examine the proliferation, migration and time of origin of cells in the central nervous system. Brain Res 457, 44–52. RapMAT is a trademark of MorphoSys AG.