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BrdU Assays: Tracking Cell Proliferation in Cancer, Asthma, and Beyond

BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) is a widely used tool in molecular and cell biology research for tracking cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. As a synthetic nucleoside analog, BrdU is incorporated into the DNA of replicating cells during the S phase, allowing scientists to label and monitor newly synthesized DNA. Our BrdU assay kits—including the BrdU Immunohistochemistry Kit, BrdU Cell Proliferation Assay Kit, and BrdU Chemiluminescent Assay Kit—offer a streamlined approach with proven protocols and high-throughput compatibility, ensuring precise and reliable results in various applications. Whether for immunohistochemical detection in tissue samples or ELISA-based quantification of cell proliferation, these kits provide non-radioactive, rapid, and sensitive solutions.

Researchers in cancer studies, neurogenesis research, and cell cycle analysis rely on BrdU for accurate, quantitative insights. This article highlights recent studies utilizing our BrdU reagents in research on T cell lymphoma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and childhood asthma, demonstrating their role in advancing understanding of diverse cell-related topics.

Dual inhibition of IGF-IR and ALK as an effective strategy to eradicate NPM-ALK+ T-cell lymphoma

Nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase-expressing (NPM-ALK+) T cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that represents 40% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and 3-5% in adults. One of the hallmarks of this disease is alterations to the ALK gene which codes for the cell cycle regulatory protein ALK, leading to the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancer cells (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms). Recent research has identified ALK protein inhibition using small molecules as a promising therapy for first-line treatment of this lymphoma, but disease progression or relapse and drug resistance have been reported with use of ALK inhibitors.

In this 2019 study published in the Journal of Hematology and Oncology, researchers explored the co-inhibition of ALK and another activated protein found in this type of cancer, type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR). Using the BrdU Cell Proliferation Assay Kit (X1327K1), researchers determined that inhibition with the ALK inhibitor and the IGF-IR inhibitor significantly decreased the proliferation of lymphoma cells. Additionally, the study reported increased survival and decreased tumor growth rates when the dual inhibition therapy was applied to mice in vivo. These findings suggest a solution to ineffectual therapies for NPM-ALK+ T cell lymphoma, and a novel treatment option for other cancers where ALK and IGF-IR are activated

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 as a Marker of Esophageal Functional Changes in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition caused by the large presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus. When an allergenic food is eaten, these eosinophils create an allergic reaction, causing inflammation and tissue damage in addition to uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms for the affected individual. Esophageal remodeling, or changes in the tissue of the esophagus, is caused by EoE and can result in rigidity and decreased function. In this 2022 study, researchers aimed to outline the role of the epithelial cell protein marker PAI-1 in predicting active EoE in pediatric patients. As part of characterizing PAI-1’s role, BrdU antibodies from Exalpha were used to stain human esophageal tissue for the quantification of cell proliferation. Researchers determined that inhibiting PAI-1 reduced esophageal cell proliferation and that PAI-1 may serve as a disease marker for EoE, adding to the clinical tools for pediatric patients undergoing diagnosis.

ORMDL3 expression in ASM regulates hypertrophy, hyperplasia via TPM1 and TPM4, and contractility

Childhood onset asthma, characterized by the inflammation airway tissues, is recognized as the most common chronic diseases in children and the Center for Disease Control Prevention estimates 6.5% of children in the United States have this condition (CDC National Asthma Control Program). While childhood asthma is common, its genetic underpinnings are still being investigated. Researchers in this 2021 study explored the role of the ORM1-like 3 (ORMDL3) gene expression in the function of smooth muscle airway cells. They found that ORMDL3 expression in the bronchial cells of transgenic mice induced hyperplasia of the smooth muscle, or the growth of tissue as a result of increased cell production, which was measured by BrdU cell proliferation assays using Exalpha’s BrdU ELISA kit. Additionally, the researchers found that ORMDL3 expression was associated with hypertrophy (increased tissue size due to increased cell size) and the increased smooth muscle contractions in response to histamine. These results suggest that ORMDL3 may directly affect the form and function of smooth muscle in airways, adding to understanding of this potential therapeutic target and disease marker.

Conclusion

BrdU's versatility in detecting and quantifying cell proliferation has made it a cornerstone in diverse research fields, from oncology to pediatric diseases. As demonstrated by the studies on ALK+ T cell lymphoma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and childhood asthma, the integration of BrdU labeling assays allows researchers to better understand disease mechanisms, assess therapeutic efficacy, and identify novel disease markers. Whether through immunohistochemistry or ELISA, BrdU products continue to provide researchers with the precision and flexibility needed to probe complex biological processes, contributing to advancements in both basic science and clinical applications.

Other Cell Proliferation Tools

We are proud to combine our cell proliferation research reagents with our sister brands. Other research antibodies, kits, and reagents for cell cycle analysis include: