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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Laser Capture Microdissection of Mammalian Tissue
Published on: October 1, 2007
Laser capture microdissection of mammalian tissue
1Department of Pathology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. redwards@uci.edu
Abstract:
Laser capture microscopy, also known as laser microdissection (LMD), enables the user to isolate small numbers of cells or tissues from frozen or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. LMD techniques rely on a thermo labile membrane placed either on top of, or underneath, the tissue section. In one method, focused laser energy is used to melt the membrane onto the underlying cells, which can then be lifted out of the tissue section. In the other, the laser energy vaporizes the foil along a path "drawn" on the tissue, allowing the selected cells to fall into a collection device. Each technique allows the selection of cells with a minimum resolution of several microns. DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid samples may be isolated and analyzed from micro-dissected samples. In this video, we demonstrate the use of the Leica AS-LMD laser microdissection instrument in seven segments, including an introduction to the principles of LMD, initializing the instrument for use, general considerations for sample preparation, mounting the specimen and setting up capture tubes, aligning the microscope, adjusting the capture controls, and capturing tissue specimens. Laser-capture micro-dissection enables the investigator to isolate samples of pure cell populations as small as a few cell-equivalents. This allows the analysis of cells of interest that are free of neighboring contaminants, which may confound experimental results.
Insights
Laser microdissection (LMD) precisely isolates pure cell populations from tissue sections. This technique enables contaminant-free analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids from selected cells.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Laser microdissection (LMD) is a technique for isolating specific cells or tissue regions.
- Traditional methods may struggle with purity and resolution for molecular analysis.
- LMD offers a solution for obtaining pure cell populations from complex tissue samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the principles and practical application of laser microdissection.
- To provide a guide for using the Leica AS-LMD instrument for cell isolation.
- To highlight the utility of LMD for molecular analysis of pure cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes a thermo-labile membrane and focused laser energy for cell isolation.
- Two primary methods: laser-induced adhesion and laser ablation for cell collection.
- Achieves cellular isolation with a resolution of several microns.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of pure cell populations, down to a few cell-equivalents.
- Demonstration of instrument setup, sample preparation, and capture techniques.
- Enables isolation of DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid samples from micro-dissected tissues.
Conclusions:
- Laser microdissection provides high-resolution isolation of pure cell populations.
- This technique minimizes confounding factors from neighboring cells in molecular studies.
- LMD is a valuable tool for precise molecular analysis in biological research.
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