Is DAPI a good live-cell nuclear label?
DAPI is considered a semi-permeant/impermeant nucleic acid stain. Staining of nucleic is dependent upon the cell line in its performance. Some cell lines will label with DAPI, others not at all, and others label inconsistenly. Instead, we recommend using either Hoechst 33342 or Hoechst 33258, which have the same wavelength and binding mode as DAPI (at the A-T minor groove) but are readily cell-permeant.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.