Research Techniques Made Simple: Laser Capture Microdissection in Cutaneous Research.
In cutaneous research, we aim to study the molecular signature of a diseased tissue. However, such a study is met with obstacles due to the inherent heterogeneous nature of tissues because multiple cell types reside within a tissue. Furthermore, there is cellular communication between the tissue and the neighboring extracellular matrix. Laser capture microdissection is a powerful technique that allows researchers to isolate cells of interest from any tissue using a laser source under microscopic visualization, thereby circumventing the issue of tissue heterogeneity. Target cells from fixed preparations can be extracted and examined without disturbing the tissue structure. In live cultures, a subpopulation of cells can be extracted in real time with minimal disturbance of cellular communication and molecular signatures. Here we describe the basic principles of the technique, the different types of laser capture microdissection, and the subsequent downstream analyses. This article will also discuss how the technique has been employed in cutaneous research, as well as future directions.
Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Estela
E
Chen Gonzalez
Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Electronic address: mcgee@bu.edu.
Jean Suh
JS
McGee
D000818:Animals; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D061346:Laser Capture Microdissection / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology