title: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry for the investigation of proteins and peptides.
abstract: Mass spectrometry (MS) is an excellent technology for molecular imaging because of its high data dimensionality. MS can monitor thousands of individual molecular data channels measured as mass-to-charge (m/z). We describe the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS for the image analysis of proteins, peptides, lipids, drugs, and metabolites in tissues. We discuss the basic instrumentation and sample preparation methods needed to produce high-resolution images and high image reproducibility. Matrix-addition protocols are briefly discussed along with normal operating procedures, and selected biological and medical applications of MALDI imaging MS are described. We give examples of both two- and three-dimensional imaging, including normal mouse embryo implantation, sperm maturation in mouse epididymis, protein distributions in brain sections, protein alterations as a result of drug administration, and protein changes in brain due to neurodegeneration and tumor formation. Advantages of this technology and future challenges for its improvement are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37221, USA. Kristin.E.Burnum@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Kristin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Burnum
authors.forename: Sara L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Frappier
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Caprioli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001695:Biology / Q000379:methods; D001921:Brain; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D020543:Proteome; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins; D020543:Proteome