Welcome!

        To those unfamiliar with LCM check out LCM for "Dummies", a .pdf beginner's guide with tons of useful information.  Its contents include background on laser capture technology, staining protocol examples, step-by-step instructions to cut and catapult tissue samples, and troubleshooting tips.  Use the Upcoming Events link to find the most up-to-date information concerning LCM Users' Group Meetings, conferences, and wet workshops.  Also, Resources and Related Links provide access to a variety of additional informational sites.  We wish you the best of luck and great experimental results using this state-of-the-art system.  

        Biological research at the molecular level is the focus of modern science and critical to solving the problems of human disease.  One of the most exciting new developments in biomedical research is laser capture microdissection, a technique which allows for the isolation of single cells or populations of cells from human or animal tissue sections.  This technique enables the researcher to investigate DNA and proteins from specific cells or groups of cells free of adjacent tissue or contact contaminants.  Such cutting-edge technologies as DNA microarrays and proteomics depend upon the isolation of single cells or pure populations of cells with specific phenotypes for meaningful results.

        With support from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the Brody School of Medicine purchased a Zeiss PALM MicroBeam System in 2007.  The system is conveniently housed in Brody 3E-94 under the direction of Dr. Mary Jane Thomassen and the Laser Capture Microscopy (LCM) advisory committee.

        The PALM MicroBeam System is a non-contact sampling technique for medical and biological materials for recovery of DNA, RNA and protein.  This system enables the manipulation of both fixed and living cells.  LCM opens entirely new perspectives in scientific research.  Unique to this system is Laser Microdissection and Pressure Catapulting (LMPC), a break-through technology that combines laser microdissection with laser-assisted transfer.  This allows target cells to be isolated and removed for analysis without any mechanical contact with the specimen.  This results in pure, contaminant-free, and hence, clearly defined specimen material.  The PALM MicroBeam System provides:

• Gentle, contact-free handling of specimens 

• Flexibility to use membrane-scaffold slides for better LMPC applications or standard slides with no intermediate steps 

• Fluorescence capabilities 

• Reliable isolation and re-cultivation of living cells in a sterile environment  

• Minimal operating costs when using standard consumables