Laser Capture Microdissection
Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) is a technique used to isolate specific cells from a tissue sample using a focused laser beam. This method allows researchers to precisely cut out and collect individual cells or groups of cells while preserving their molecular integrity. It is particularly useful in studying heterogeneous tissues, where different cell types may have distinct characteristics.
The collected cells can then be analyzed for various purposes, such as gene expression, protein analysis, or genomic studies. LCM is widely used in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of specific cell populations is crucial for developing targeted therapies.