Chapter 34 – Laser Capture Microdissection

Publisher Summary Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a technology for procuring pure cell populations from a heterogeneous tissue or cytological preparation under direct microscopic visualization. One of the most common problems encountered by the investigator involved in the proteomic or genetic analysis of tissue samples arises from the heterogeneous nature of the tissue and the need for a pure cell population for studies. LCM enables the investigator to isolate single cells or multiple cells, representing specific malignant, premalignant, or normal tissues. The ability to analyze pure cell populations permits analysis of molecular events representative of the tissue at the time of sample procurement. The AutoPix makes it possible for the operator to conduct hands off microdissection once the relevant cells are marked by the operator or are recognized by the computer image recognition software. When using the 30-μm laser spot size, the operator can expect to collect on average five to six cells per laser pulse.