DNA Fragmentation Detection Kits

The PromoKine DNA Fragmentation Detection Kits I and II are based on the TUNEL method and identify DNA strand breaks occuring during apoptosis. The kits provide all required components - including positive and negative control cells and tissue slides - for convenient detection of DNA fragmentation by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. The TUNEL assay employs a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) to add Br-dUTP (bromolated deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotides) to the fragmented DNA strands. Br-dUTP is more readily incorporated into DNA strand breaks than other larger ligands (e.g., fluorescein, biotin or digoxigenin). The greater incorporation gives rise to a brighter signal when the Br-dUTP sites are identified by a green-fluorescent (Kit I) or red-fluorescent (Kit II) labeled anti-BrdU monoclonal antibody. The labeled DNA can then be observed by fluorescence microscopy or analyzed by flow cytometry. The DNA Fragmentation Kit II works also very well with GFP transfected cells.

The Fluorometric DNA Fragmentation Detection Kit III is a modified TUNEL assay and provides all reagents required for the specific detection of apoptotic cells within a cell population - including positive and negative control cells. The kit utilizes terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) to catalyze incorporation of fluorescein-12-dUTP at the free 3'-hydroxyl ends of the fragmented DNA. The fluorescein-labeled DNA can then be observed by fluorescence microscopy or analyzed by flow cytometry.

The ready-to-use, TUNEL-based Colorimetric DNA Fragmentation Detection Kit (IHC) has been specifically designed for convenient detection of DNA fragmentation in tissue sections and fixed cell preps. It includes positive and negative control slides and utilizes Br-dUTP, biotin-labeled anti-BrdU antibodies and HRP-streptavidin conjugate. Immunohistochemical staining results can be microscopically analyzed.