2. Academic Validation
  3. The live cell DNA stain SiR-Hoechst induces DNA damage responses and impairs cell cycle progression

The live cell DNA stain SiR-Hoechst induces DNA damage responses and impairs cell cycle progression

  • Sci Rep. 2018 May 21;8(1):7898. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-26307-6.
Onur Sen 1,  Adrian T Saurin 2,  Jonathan M G Higgins 3
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
  • 2 Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK.
  • 3 Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. [email protected].
PMID: 29785044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26307-6
Abstract

SiR-Hoechst (SiR-DNA) is a far-red fluorescent DNA probe being used widely for time-lapse imaging of living cells that is reported to be minimally toxic at concentrations as high as 10-25 µM. However, measuring nuclear import of Cyclin B1, inhibition of mitotic entry, and the induction of γH2AX foci in cultured human cells reveals that SiR-Hoechst induces DNA damage responses and G2 arrest at concentrations well below 1 µM. SiR-Hoechst is useful for live cell imaging, but it should be used with caution and at the lowest practicable concentration.

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