Laser Capture Microdissection Optimization for High-Quality RNA in Mouse Brain Tissue

Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) is a method that allows one to select and dissect well-defined structures, specific cell subpopulations, or even single cells from different types of tissue for subsequent extraction of DNA, RNA, or proteins. Its precision allows the dissection of specific groups of cells, avoiding unwanted cells. However, despite its efficiency, several steps can affect the sample RNA integrity. RNA instability represents a challenge in the LCM method, and low RNA integrity can introduce biases, as different transcripts often have different degradation rates. Here we describe an optimized protocol to provide good-concentration and high-quality RNA from specific structures: dentate gyrus and CA1 in the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex of mouse brain tissue. However, the protocol is applicable to other areas of interest. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Laser capture microdissection of mouse brain tissue.