[The importance and use of laser microdissection in clinical research and diagnostic method development]

The molecular biological analysis of rare cell samples has become increasingly important in medical research and applications. Using laser microdissection and special macromolecule isolation techniques allows us to understand the biological information even in a single cell and to examine the genetical and proteomical features of biologically homogenous cell populations. There are several type of laser microdissectors which have a very user-friendly actuation. In practice the most difficult parts are the sample preparation and the macromolecule extraction from rare cell samples. The aims of this study are to summarize current practical experiences and to foreshow the application possibilities of this quite new technique in clinical practice.