Laser Capture Microdissection optimization for high-quality RNA in mouse brain tissue

Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) is a method that allows to select and dissecting specific structures, cell populations, or even single cells from different types of tissue to extract DNA, RNA, or proteins. It is easy to perform and precise, avoiding unwanted signals from irrelevant cells, because gene expression may be affected by a bulk of heterogeneous material in a sample. However, despite its efficiency, several steps can affect the sample RNA integrity. In comparison to DNA, RNA is a much more unstable molecule and represents a challenge in the LCM method. Here we describe an optimized protocol to provide good concentration and high-quality RNA in specific structures, such as Dentate Gyrus and CA1 in the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex of mouse brain tissue.