Synchronous cell populations are commonly used for the analysis of various aspects of cellular metabolism at specific stages of the cell cycle. Cell synchronization at a chosen cell cycle stage is most frequently achieved by inhibition of specific metabolic pathway(s). In this respect, various protocols have been developed to synchronize cells in particular cell cycle stages. In this review, we provide an overview of the protocols for cell synchronization of mammalian cells based on the inhibition of synthesis of DNA building blocks-deoxynucleotides and/or inhibition of DNA synthesis. The mechanism of action, examples of their use, and advantages and disadvantages are described with the aim of providing a guide for the selection of suitable protocol for different studied situations.

• Keywords
• DNA replication, S phase, cell cycle, deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates synthesis, ribonucleotide reductase, thymidine, thymidylate synthase,
• MeSH
• Cell Division * MeSH
• Cell Cycle * MeSH
• DNA antagonists & inhibitors   biosynthesis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• DNA Replication * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• DNA MeSH

The replication of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA are basic processes assuring the doubling of the genetic information of eukaryotic cells. In research of the basic principles of DNA replication, and also in the studies focused on the cell cycle, an important role is played by artificially-prepared nucleoside and nucleotide analogues that serve as markers of newly synthesized DNA. These analogues are incorporated into the DNA during DNA replication, and are subsequently visualized. Several methods are used for their detection, including the highly popular click chemistry. This review aims to provide the readers with basic information about the various possibilities of the detection of replication activity using nucleoside and nucleotide analogues, and to show the strengths and weaknesses of those different detection systems, including click chemistry for microscopic studies.

• Keywords
• click chemistry, indirect immunocytochemistry, isotopes, nucleoside and nucleotide analogues,
• MeSH
• Click Chemistry MeSH
• DNA chemistry   genetics   MeSH
• Halogenation MeSH
• In Situ Hybridization MeSH
• Immunohistochemistry MeSH
• Isotope Labeling MeSH
• Copper chemistry   MeSH
• Nucleosides chemistry   MeSH
• Nucleotides chemistry   MeSH
• Radioisotopes MeSH
• DNA Replication * MeSH
• Research MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• DNA MeSH
• Copper MeSH
• Nucleosides MeSH
• Nucleotides MeSH
• Radioisotopes MeSH