A MALDI-Mass Spectrometry Imaging method applicable to different formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human tissues

Mol Biosyst. 2015 Jun;11(6):1507-14. doi: 10.1039/c4mb00716f.

Abstract

Recent advancements in Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) technology have enabled the analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, unlocking a wealth of new proteomic information and facilitating the possibility of performing studies with higher statistical power as well as multi-centric collaborations within the field of proteomics research. However, current methods used to analyse these specimens are often time-consuming and they need to be modified when applied to human tissues of different origin. Here we present a reproducible and time-effective method that could address these aforementioned issues and widen the applicability of this technology to a number of challenging tissue types. Additionally, tissue molecular images show high spatial resolution and a strong correlation with the morphological features, enabling the identification of tissue morphology using statistically derived visualisation, without any prior knowledge.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Chemistry
  • Formaldehyde / chemistry
  • Histocytochemistry / methods*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / chemistry
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Paraffin Embedding / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Formaldehyde