BUdR, also known as 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, is a synthetic nucleoside analog derived from the thymine base of DNA. It is commonly used as a research tool in molecular biology and cell biology to study aspects related to DNA replication, cellular proliferation, and cell cycle dynamics.
BUdR is structurally similar to the natural nucleoside thymidine, with the addition of a bromine atom at the fifth position of the pyrimidine ring. This modification allows for the selective incorporation of BUdR into newly synthesized DNA strands during replication. By replacing thymidine, BUdR can be incorporated into replicating DNA, effectively labeling and distinguishing cells actively undergoing DNA synthesis.
BUdR is often utilized in techniques such as BrdU labeling or BrdU incorporation assays to study the rate of cell proliferation, measure DNA synthesis, or track the movement of dividing cells. These assays involve the incorporation of BUdR into the DNA of dividing cells, followed by specific detection using antibodies targeting BUdR.
Apart from cell cycle studies, BUdR is also employed in research investigating DNA damage and repair processes. By introducing BUdR into DNA, researchers can assess the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms or analyze DNA damage-induced cellular responses.
Overall, BUdR is a valuable tool in various fields of biological research, aiding the study of cell proliferation, DNA replication, and DNA repair mechanisms.
