Laser capture microdissection for the investigative pathologist

An important step in translational research is the validation of molecular findings from in vitro experiments using tissue specimens. However, tissue specimens are complex and contain a multitude of diverse cell populations that interfere with the molecular profiling data of a specific cell type. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) alleviates this issue by providing a valuable tool for the enrichment of a specific cell type within complex tissue samples. However, LCM and molecular analysis from tissue specimens can be complex and challenging due to numerous issues related with the tissue processing and its impact on the integrity of biomolecules in the specimen. The intricate nature of this application highlights the essential role a pathologist plays in translational research by contributing an expertise in histopathology, tissue handling, tissue analysis techniques, and clinical correlation of biological findings. The present review examines key practical aspects in tissue handling, specimen selection, quality control, and sample preparation for LCM and downstream molecular analyses that are a primary objective of the investigative pathologist.