High-throughput Microdissection for the Molecular Analysis of Breast and Prostate Tumor Specimens

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a technology developed in the mid-1990’s to allow users to isolate specific cell populations via microscopic visualization. Recently, our lab has developed a novel, high-throughput microdissection technology termed Expression Microdissection (xMD).  Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine the target cells or subcellular targets to be isolated, xMD can procure specific targets without the use of expensive optics. In this presentation, we demonstrate the utility of the technology using a handheld xMD device to microdissect tumor epithelium from whole slide formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast and ethanol-fixed paraffin-embedded (EFPE) prostate tumor specimens. Following microdissection, the user may isolate RNA from the procured cells and perform RT-qPCR analysis. This innovative handheld device allows users to specifically microdissect in seconds for downstream molecular analysis.