Laser capture microdissection of single cells from complex tissues.

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a new method used to select and procure cell clusters from tissue sections. Once captured, the DNA, RNA or protein can be easily extracted from the isolated cells and analyzed by conventional PCR, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, including protein zymography for specific macromolecular changes. In LCM, a thermoplastic polymer coating [ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)] attached to a rigid support is placed in contact with a tissue section. The EVA polymer over microscopically selected cell clusters is precisely activated by a near-infrared laser pulse and then bonds to the targeted area. Removal of the EVA and its support from the tissue section procures the selected cell aggregates for molecular analysis. This initial NIH LCM approach using a flat transfer EVA film has been recently commercialized and has proven to be an effective routine microdissection technique for subsequent macromolecular analysis in many laboratories around the ...