Detecting Hematopoietic Stem Cell Proliferation Using BrdU Incorporation

Cellular quiescence is a key component of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis; therefore, a reliable method to measure HSC cell division is critical in many studies. However, measuring the proliferation rate of largely quiescent and rare populations of cells can be challenging. Bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into replicating DNA is a commonly used and highly reproducible method to detect cell division history. Here, we describe a protocol for BrdU incorporation analysis in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that can provide a sensitive measure of cell division even in rare cell populations. In combination with flow cytometry, this method can be generalized to analyze other cell populations and other tissues as identified by cell surface markers.