Multiparametric single-cell analysis has seen dramatic improvements with the introduction of mass cytometry (MC) and imaging mass cytometry (IMC™ ). These technologies expanded the number of biomarkers that can be identified simultaneously by using heavy-isotope-tagged antibody reagents. Small-molecule probes bearing heavy isotopes are emerging as additional useful functional reporters of cellular features. Realizing this, we explored the iodination of DAPI to produce a heavy-atom-substituted derivative of the commonly used fluorescent DNA stain. Although exhibiting a drastically reduced fluorescence emission profile, I-DAPI retains strong binding affinity for DNA. I-DAPI was used to detect cellular DNA in MC and IMC™ assays with comparable efficiency to known Ir-containing DNA intercalators. This work suggests repurposing well-known colorimetric stains through simple reactions could be an effective strategy to develop new, functional MC and IMC™ reagents.
Keywords: DNA dye; fluorescent probes; intercalator; iodine; mass cytometry.
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