MALDI imaging mass spectrometry: molecular snapshots of biochemical systems.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is emerging as a powerful tool for investigating the distribution of molecules within biological systems through the direct analysis of thin tissue sections. Unique among imaging methods, MALDI-IMS can determine the distribution of hundreds of unknown compounds in a single measurement. We discuss the current state of the art of MALDI-IMS along with some recent applications and technological developments that illustrate not only its current capabilities but also the future potential of the technique to provide a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of biological processes.
Cornett
Dale S
DS
Mass Spectrometry Research Center, 465 21st Avenue, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
Reyzer
Michelle L
ML
Chaurand
Pierre
P
Caprioli
Richard M
RM
D000818:Animals; D015509:Developmental Biology / Q000379:methods; D010336:Pathology / Q000379:methods; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000378:metabolism; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D010743:Phospholipids