Laser Capture Miccrodissection
Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) is a technique whereby a population of pure cells can be isolated from a heterogenous tissue sample.
We have an Arcturus Pixcell IIe Laser Capture Microdissection System. This system uses an infra-red (IR) laser to capture cells of interest onto a transparent film placed above the sample. The microscope is equipped with x5, x10, x20, and x40 lenses, with fluorescence capabilities. There are filters available to differentiate between fluorescence in red, blue and green spectra.
LCM can be used on a variety of sample preparations such as blood smears, cell cultures and tissue sections.
- A cap containing the 'capture film' is placed on top of the sample.
- The IR laser is aligned over the area of interest and a laser pulse fired. The energy from the laser pulse is absorbed by the film, and does not affect the sample itself.
- The absorbed energy causes the film to melt, this creates contact between the film and the cells underneath which then adhere to the film.
- When the cap is removed from the sample, the adhered cells of interest are removed with it. They can then be isolated from the cap and used for downstream applications, such as DNA, RNA and/or protein analyses.
We allow the use of our LCM system by users outside of the LSHTM. This is by arrangement only, and charges apply. We provide training on the machine itself, and at least 1 session of supervised training is compulsory prior to usage regardless of previous experience. If you are interested in using our LCM system, or have any queries please contact either Liz McCarthy or Rachel Gregory.
Reagents and consumables for LCM including caps, slides and DNA isolation kits can be purchased from the Applied Biosystems.
