Application of laser capture microdissection to phage display peptide library screening

Objective. When identifying important regulatory genes using methods such as phage display peptide library screening it is critical to select such peptides from cells and tissues in their native state. Here, we report a novel approach to screen tumors using phage display and laser capture microdissection (LCM). Study design. A phage peptide library was screened directly on fresh oral tumor tissue, such that specifically bound peptides were selected from fresh tumor cells in the native tissue state. Tissue processing conditions were modified to ensure the survival of the bacteriophage. Results. Our results demonstrate that live phage-peptide conjugates can be recovered from laser capture microdissected cells in a form suitable for additional cycles of amplification. Conclusion. Thus, LCM will be a valuable adjunct to phage display studies.