Hoechst 33342, UltraPure grade (CAS 23491-52-3)

Hoechst 33342, UltraPure grade, with CAS number 23491-52-3, is a widely used chemical tool in the field of cell biology and genetics research, particularly notable for its application in live cell imaging and chromosome analysis. Structurally related to Hoechst 33258, this bis-benzimidazole dye has a high affinity for AT-rich regions of double-stranded DNA, to which it binds by fitting into the minor groove. Upon binding, Hoechst 33342 exhibits a marked enhancement in fluorescence, emitting bright blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which makes it exceptionally useful for distinguishing nuclei and chromosomes within cells. This property is leveraged in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle progression and to sort cells based on DNA content, enabling detailed studies of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, the ability of Hoechst 33342 to cross live cell membranes without causing immediate cytotoxic effects allows researchers to perform real-time tracking and monitoring of cellular dynamics. In research contexts, it is often employed to stain cellular DNA in fixed and live cells, providing critical insights into chromatin organization, gene expression patterns, and the mechanisms of mitosis and meiosis. Additionally, Hoechst 33342 has been instrumental in facilitating the development of advanced techniques in chromosome sorting and gene mapping, contributing significantly to our understanding of genomic architecture and function.