Extended Data Fig. 7: Examples of successful fs-LM isolation of single neurons from different locations in multiple C. elegans strains.

a, Isolation of one of the PLM neurons from the tail region in CZ10175 animal (we resected n = 14 PLM neurons out of 15 attempts over 6 independent batches). Scale bar, 50 μm. b, Isolation of VD7 neuron from the mid-body region (close to the vulva muscle and residing on the ventral cord region) in the CZ1200 animal (resected n = 3 VD7 neurons over 3 independent batches). c, Isolation of one of the CEP neurons from the head region (in the head ganglion) in the BY200 animal (resected n = 24 CEP neurons out of 30 attempts over 10 independent batches). d, Isolation of one of the RME neurons from the head region (in the head ganglion) in the CZ1200 animal (We resected n = 8 RME neurons out of 9 attempts over 4 independent batches). The top panel shows the neurons’ schematics. Below are the fluorescence images describing the steps for the axotomy of neuronal processes, neuron dissection, cuticle ablation, neuron extraction, and neuron collection. The lightening arrows indicate the locations of the laser spots for axotomy and fs-LM (light pink, indicating low pulse energies) and cuticle ablation (red, indicating higher pulse energies required to ablate the cuticle). The yellow arrows indicate the isolated neurons outside the animal body and as collected inside the micro-pipette tip. The bottom panel shows 2% agarose gel with PCR amplification products of single-cell lysates and visualized with ethidium bromide. Lanes are marked with the target genes or ladder used in the experiment.