Molecular imaging by mass spectrometry--looking beyond classical histology.
Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a new and effective tool for molecular studies of complex biological samples such as tissue sections. As histological features remain intact throughout the analysis of a section, distribution maps of multiple analytes can be correlated with histological and clinical features. Spatial molecular arrangements can be assessed without the need for target-specific reagents, allowing the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers of different cancer types and enabling the determination of effective therapies.
Schwamborn
Kristina
K
Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2195, USA.
Caprioli
Richard M
RM
D000818:Animals; D055808:Drug Discovery; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D020543:Proteome / Q000032:analysis; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020543:Proteome