Laser Capture Microdissection

Chapter Summary Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a powerful histology-based technique for isolation of pure cells from their heterogenous environments as well as from cytological preparations and live cells. The LCM technique allows differentiation between normal and morphologically abnormal cells as distinct cell populations from the heterogenous mixture, and it is possible to investigate subcellular profiles with great accuracy. Biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, and protein extracted from microdissected cells can be used for variety of downstream applications, including polymerase chain reaction gene expression studies, microarray analysis, and proteomic analysis. The success of LCM in extraction of DNA, RNA, and protein from a small number of cells suitable for downstream applications depends on several critical factors, such as proper tissue collection and fixation techniques, staining procedures, nucleic acid or protein extraction methods, and storage. Here we discuss and describe protocols from our laboratory that are optimized for LCM of endometrial immune cells, endothelial cells, and trophoblasts.