Spatial Transcriptomics & Single-Cell Analysis With Laser Capture Microdissection

Single-cell spatial transcriptomics measures gene expression at cellular or near-cellular resolution while retaining each cell's position in tissue. Laser capture microdissection offers a complementary approach: Accuva Cellect isolates visually defined cells or regions before RNA extraction and sequencing, keeping a documented link to their location.

Single-cell sequencing profiles dissociated cells, which gives detailed cell-type information but removes tissue location. Spatial transcriptomics keeps positional information. Laser capture microdissection bridges the two by selecting cells or regions directly from FFPE or fresh-frozen sections before sequencing.

Researchers view a stained section, select a region or cell population, and capture only that material for molecular analysis. Because selection starts from a known location, expression data can be linked back to tissue architecture instead of averaging signals across a whole-tissue extract.

Yes. Laxco describes the Accuva Cellect infrared laser as designed for capture of single cells or small numbers of cells. A UV laser handles larger regions and dense structures. Whether a single cell provides enough material depends on your amplification and library methods.

Laxco lists FFPE and fresh-frozen tissue, H&E-stained and LCM-optimized stained sections, immunofluorescence, unstained samples, and cell culture for Accuva Cellect. Plan staining, section preparation, extraction, and downstream assays around the specific sample type and research objective.

Yes. Captured cells can be processed with LCM-optimized RNA extraction and linear amplification to prepare material for RNA sequencing. These steps matter most for very small inputs. Enriching a defined population before extraction reduces background from surrounding tissue.

Laser capture microdissection can separate malignant cells, stroma, and immune cells from the same section for separate profiling. Researchers can then compare compartment-specific expression, mutations, or proteins instead of relying on a whole-tumor average.

Laxco provides on-site and virtual application training, live technical support, and a 48-hour response commitment for Accuva Cellect, along with brochures, manuals, application notes, and videos. Grant Language Kits help researchers describe LCM in NIH, NSF, HHMI, and DOD proposals.