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Photocaged Hoechst Enables Subnuclear Visualization and Cell Selective Staining of DNA in vivo
Author(s) -
Lämmle Carina A.,
Varady Adam,
Müller Thorsten G.,
Sturtzel Caterina,
Riepl Michael,
Mathes Bettina,
Eichhorst Jenny,
Sporbert Anje,
Lehmann Martin,
Kräusslich HansGeorg,
Distel Martin,
Broichhagen Johannes
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
chembiochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1439-7633
pISSN - 1439-4227
DOI - 10.1002/cbic.202000465
Subject(s) - dna , zebrafish , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , live cell imaging , nucleic acid , cell , gene , biochemistry
Selective targeting of DNA by means of fluorescent labeling has become a mainstay in the life sciences. While genetic engineering serves as a powerful technique and allows the visualization of nucleic acid by using DNA‐targeting fluorescent fusion proteins in a cell‐type‐ and subcellular‐specific manner, it relies on the introduction of foreign genes. On the other hand, DNA‐binding small fluorescent molecules can be used without genetic engineering, but they are not spatially restricted. Herein, we report a photocaged version of the DNA dye Hoechst33342 (pcHoechst), which can be uncaged by using UV to blue light for the selective staining of chromosomal DNA in subnuclear regions of live cells. Expanding its application to a vertebrate model organism, we demonstrate uncaging in epithelial cells and short‐term cell tracking in vivo in zebrafish. We envision pcHoechst as a valuable tool for targeting and interrogating DNA with precise spatiotemporal resolution in living cells and wild‐type organisms.