LCM — isolating cells for targeted proteomics

Cell lines often do not correlate with human disease pathways. In contrast, begining the biomarker or drug target discovery process with clinical or animal model tissue specimens ensures a starting point which reflects actual molecular networks involved in pathogenesis. However, due to the complexity of the local tissue microenvironment, signaling networks between different cell types which underlie disease progression are best elucidated by isolating targeted collections of cells, resulting in homogeneous cell populations which may be analyzed without the confounding influence of adjacent cell types.

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) enables the selective isolation of targeted cells for proteomic analysis. Calibrant employs Arcturus LCM technology for the efficient and precise collection and purification of specific cells of interest to our customers. While LCM is commonly employed for targeted genomic analysis, the limited amount of protein provided by LCM is far below that required by standard proteomics analyses. As a result, only a limited glimpse into the relevant proteome is provided...

Until now. The ultra-sensitive Gemini™ technology is uniquely compatible with limited protein samples procured by LCM from clinically relevant tissues, enabling effective global protein discovery from around 10 micrograms of protein from around 10,000 LCM-isolated cells. Combined with Calibrant's proven methods for the efficient extraction of limited protein amounts from both fresh-frozen and archival formalin-fixed tissues, Gemini™ is the leading solution for targeted discovery from clinical tissue specimens.