DNA Staining Protocols for Flow Cytometry

The incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in replicating DNA of proliferating cells can be used to measure their proliferation. This protocol allows the identification of cells which have incorporated BrdU by flow cytometry. - [Read 5-Bromo-2-Deoxyuridine (BrdU) and 7-Amino-Actinomycin (7-AAD) Staining for Cell Proliferation Assay]

Simple and universally applicable methods for staining fixed cells are presented, as are methods that utilize detergents and proteolytic treatment to permeabilize cells. Additionally, supravital cell staining with Hoechst 33342, which is primarily used for sorting live cells for subsequent culturing based on DNA-content differences, is also described. Also presented are methods for staining of cell nuclei isolated from paraffin-embedded tissues, and deconvolution of DNA-content-frequency... - [Read Analysis of Cellular DNA Content by Flow Cytometry Protocol]

This protocol provides a method for analysis of DNA fragmentation using flow cytometry after propidium iodide (PI) labeling of apoptotic nuclei. Apoptotic nuclei stain less than their normal counterparts because of diffusion of low-molecular-weight fragments out of the cells and/or chromatin condensation. - [Read Analysis of DNA Fragmentation Using Propidium Iodide (PI) Fluorescence of Individual Nuclei Protocol]

This protocol provides a method for analysis of DNA fragmentation using flow cytometry after propidium iodide (PI) labeling of fixed apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry reveals apoptotic nuclei in the subdiploid region of the cell cycle histogram... - [Read Analysis of DNA Fragmentation Using Propidium Iodide (PI) Staining After Ethanol Fixation Protocol]

Protocol for DNA content using Hoechst 33342 in unfixed cells. - [Read DNA Content using Hoechst 33342 in Unfixed Cells Protocol]

This protocol describes a method for quantitative measurement of DNA using propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. PI stains all double-stranded regions of both DNA and RNA by intercalating between the stacked bases of the double helix. PI cannot penetrate an intact cell membrane; therefore, cells are fixed prior to staining. The ethanol-fixed cells can be stored unstained at 4°C for days, or even weeks, and then stained and analyzed. - [Read Measurement of DNA Content Using Propidium Iodide (PI) Staining of Fixed Whole Cells Protocol]

Protocol for NTS Buffer DAPI Stain - [Read NTS Buffer DAPI Stain Protocol]

This protocol describes a method for quantitative measurement of DNA in solid tissue samples using either propidium iodide (PI) or DAPI staining followed by flow cytometry. PI can be excited at 488 nm by the argon-ion laser, the most commonly used laser in flow cytometry. Alternatively, DAPI is best excited by a high-power UV laser, which is less commonly available. - [Read Propidium Iodide (PI) or DAPI Staining of Unfixed Solid Tissues for Flow Cytometry Protocol]

This protocol describes a method for quantitative measurement of DNA in tissue culture cells using either propidium iodide (PI) or DAPI staining followed by flow cytometry. PI can be excited at 488 nm by the argon-ion laser, the most commonly used laser in flow cytometry. Alternatively, DAPI is best excited by a high-power UV laser, which is less commonly available. - [Read Propidium Iodide (PI) or DAPI Staining of Unfixed Tissue Culture Cells for Flow Cytometry Protocol]

In an attempt to accurately measure DNA content with simultaneous preservation of cell surface markers, we have utilized gentle ethanol treatment techniques, which permeablize cells with minimal loss of surface antigen expression and antibody-antigen association. For some cell types, the presence of apoptotic cells based on reduced DNA content can also be detected. One such technique employs the addition of ethanol to cells previously resuspended in high concentrations of fetal bovine serum... - [Read Simultaneous Analysis of DNA Content and Surface Immunophenotype Protocol]