2'-Deoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphate-¹³C₁₀,¹⁵N₅ (dilithium)

The EdU incorporation assay measures DNA synthesis by adding the thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine to cells or tissues, where it is incorporated into newly synthesized DNA during S phase. Incorporated EdU is detected by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, in which a fluorescent azide covalently reacts with the ethynyl group on EdU, allowing S-phase cells to be detected by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, or high-content imaging. EdU detection does not require DNA denaturation or anti-BrdU antibody access, which preserves sample structure and improves compatibility with immunostaining and multiparameter cytometry compared with BrdU-based detection. EdU can be cytotoxic in a cell-type- and exposure-dependent manner, so pulse duration, concentration, and continuous-labeling designs should be validated for each cell type.

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay is based on the principle that BrdU, a thymidine analog, is incorporated into newly synthesized DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle, thereby serving as a marker of DNA replication and cellular proliferation. Incorporated BrdU can be detected using anti-BrdU antibodies following DNA denaturation, enabling visualization or quantification of proliferating cells through immunochemical detection methods such as immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry.