Mapping Spatiotemporal Microproteomics Landscape in Experimental Model of Traumatic Brain Injury Unveils a link to Parkinson's Disease

Spatiotemporal multi-omics: exploring molecular landscapes in aging and regenerative medicine

Aging and regeneration represent complex biological phenomena that have long captivated the scientific community. To fully comprehend these processes, it is essential to investigate molecular dynamics through a lens that encompasses both spatial and temporal dimensions. Conventional omics methodologies, such as genomics and transcriptomics, have been instrumental in identifying critical molecular facets of aging and regeneration. However, these methods are somewhat limited, constrained by their spatial resolution and their lack of capacity to dynamically represent tissue alterations. The advent of emerging spatiotemporal multi-omics approaches, encompassing transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, furnishes comprehensive insights into these intricate molecular dynamics. These sophisticated techniques facilitate accurate delineation of molecular patterns across an array of cells, tissues, and organs, thereby offering an in-depth understanding of the fundamental mechanisms at play. This review meticulously examines the significance of spatiotemporal multi-omics in the realms of aging and regeneration research. It underscores how these methodologies augment our comprehension of molecular dynamics, cellular interactions, and signaling pathways. Initially, the review delineates the foundational principles underpinning these methods, followed by an evaluation of their recent applications within the field. The review ultimately concludes by addressing the prevailing challenges and projecting future advancements in the field. Indubitably, spatiotemporal multi-omics are instrumental in deciphering the complexities inherent in aging and regeneration, thus charting a course toward potential therapeutic innovations.

Mapping dynamic molecular changes in hippocampal subregions after traumatic brain injury through spatial proteomics

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in diverse molecular responses, challenging traditional proteomic studies that measure average changes at tissue levels and fail to capture the complexity and heterogeneity of the affected tissues. Spatial proteomics offers a solution by providing insights into sub-region-specific alterations within tissues. This study focuses on the hippocampal sub-regions, analyzing proteomic expression profiles in mice at the acute (1 day) and subacute (7 days) phases of post-TBI to understand subregion-specific vulnerabilities and long-term consequences.

METHODS

Three mice brains were collected from each group, including Sham, 1-day post-TBI and 7-day post-TBI. Hippocampal subregions were extracted using Laser Microdissection (LMD) and subsequently analyzed by label-free quantitative proteomics.

RESULTS

The spatial analysis reveals region-specific protein abundance changes, highlighting the elevation of FN1, LGALS3BP, HP, and MUG-1 in the stratum moleculare (SM), suggesting potential immune cell enrichment post-TBI. Notably, established markers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, IGHM and B2M, exhibit specific upregulation in the dentate gyrus bottom (DG2) independent of direct mechanical injury. Metabolic pathway analysis identifies disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, coupled with activated cholesterol synthesis pathways enriched in SM at 7-Day post-TBI and subsequently in deeper DG1 and DG2 suggesting a role in neurogenesis and the onset of recovery. Coordinated activation of neuroglia and microtubule dynamics in DG2 suggest recovery mechanisms in less affected regions. Cluster analysis revealed spatial variations post-TBI, indicative of dysregulated neuronal plasticity and neurogenesis and further predisposition to neurological disorders. TBI-induced protein upregulation (MUG-1, PZP, GFAP, TJP, STAT-1, and CD44) across hippocampal sub-regions indicates shared molecular responses and links to neurological disorders. Spatial variations were demonstrated by proteins dysregulated in both or either of the time-points exclusively in each subregion (ELAVL2, CLIC1 in PL, CD44 and MUG-1 in SM, and SHOC2, LGALS3 in DG).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing advanced spatial proteomics techniques, the study unveils the dynamic molecular responses in distinct hippocampal subregions post-TBI. It uncovers region-specific vulnerabilities and dysregulated neuronal processes, and potential recovery-related pathways that contribute to our understanding of TBI's neurological consequences and provides valuable insights for biomarker discovery and therapeutic targets.

Multiplexed Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Proteomic Alterations in Two Rodent Traumatic Brain Injury Models

In many cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI), conspicuous abnormalities, such as scalp wounds and intracranial hemorrhages, abate over time. However, many unnoticeable symptoms, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dysfunction, often last from several weeks to years after trauma, even for mild injuries. Moreover, the cause of such persistence of symptoms has not been examined extensively. Recent studies have implicated the dysregulation of the molecular system in the injured brain, necessitating an in-depth analysis of the proteome and signaling pathways that mediate the consequences of TBI. Thus, in this study, the brain proteomes of two TBI models were examined by quantitative proteomics during the recovery period to determine the molecular mechanisms of TBI. Our results show that the proteomes in both TBI models undergo distinct changes. A bioinformatics analysis demonstrated robust activation and inhibition of signaling pathways and core proteins that mediate biological processes after brain injury. These findings can help determine the molecular mechanisms that underlie the persistent effects of TBI and identify novel targets for drug interventions.

Colloidal therapeutics in the management of traumatic brain injury: Portray of biomarkers and drug-targets, preclinical and clinical pieces of evidence and future prospects

Complexity associated with the aberrant physiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) makes its therapeutic targeting vulnerable. The underlying mechanisms of pathophysiology of TBI are yet to be completely illustrated. Primary injury in TBI is associated with contusions and axonal shearing whereas excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, free radicals generation, and neuroinflammation are considered under secondary injury. MicroRNAs, proinflammatory cytokines, and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) recently emerged as biomarkers in TBI. In addition, several approved therapeutic entities have been explored to target existing and newly identified drug-targets in TBI. However, drug delivery in TBI is hampered due to disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) in secondary TBI, as well as inadequate drug-targeting and retention effect. Colloidal therapeutics appeared helpful in providing enhanced drug availability to the brain owing to definite targeting strategies. Moreover, immense efforts have been put together to achieve increased bioavailability of therapeutics to TBI by devising effective targeting strategies. The potential of colloidal therapeutics to efficiently deliver drugs at the site of injury and down-regulate the mediators of TBI are serving as novel policies in the management of TBI. Therefore, in present manuscript, we have illuminated a myriad of molecular-targets currently identified and recognized in TBI. Moreover, particular emphasis is given to frame armamentarium of repurpose drugs which could be utilized to block molecular targets in TBI in addition to drug delivery barriers. The critical role of colloidal therapeutics such as liposomes, nanoparticles, dendrimers, and exosomes in drug delivery to TBI through invasive and non-invasive routes has also been highlighted.

Lifelong Association of Disorders Related to Military Trauma with Subsequent Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Trauma-related disorders such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are emerging as risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD), but their association with development of PD and independence from comorbid disorders remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To examine TBI and PTSD related to early trauma in military veterans using a case-control study.

METHODS

PD was identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code, recurrent PD-specific prescriptions, and availability of 5+ years of earlier records. Validation was performed by chart review by a movement disorder-trained neurologist. Control subjects were matched 4:1 by age, duration of preceding health care, race, ethnicity, birth year, and sex. TBI and PTSD were identified by ICD code and onset based on active duty. Association and interaction were measured for TBI and PTSD with PD going back 60 years. Interaction was measured for comorbid disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 71,933 cases and 287,732 controls were identified. TBI and PTSD increased odds of subsequent PD at all preceding 5-year intervals back to year -60 (odds ratio range: 1.5 [1.4, 1.7] to 2.1 [2.0, 2.1]). TBI and PTSD showed synergism (synergy index range: 1.14 [1.09, 1.29] to 1.28 [1.09, 1.51]) and additive association (odds ratio range: 2.2 [1.6, 2.8] to 2.7 [2.5, 2.8]). Chronic pain and migraine showed greatest synergy with PTSD and TBI. Effect sizes for trauma-related disorders were comparable with established prodromal disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

TBI and PTSD are associated with later PD and are synergistic with chronic pain and migraine. These findings provide evidence for TBI and PTSD as risk factors preceding PD by decades and could aid in prognostic calculation and earlier intervention. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Pathophysiology and Neuroimmune Interactions Underlying Parkinson's Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder clinically defined by motor instability, bradykinesia, and resting tremors. The clinical symptomatology is seen alongside pathologic changes, most notably the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the accumulation of α-synuclein and neuromelanin aggregates throughout numerous neural circuits. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been implicated as a risk factor for developing various neurodegenerative diseases, with the most compelling argument for the development of PD. Dopaminergic abnormalities, the accumulation of α-synuclein, and disruptions in neural homeostatic mechanisms, including but not limited to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are all present following TBI and are closely related to the pathologic changes seen in PD. Neuronal iron accumulation is discernable in degenerative and injured brain states, as is aquaporin-4 (APQ4). APQ4 is an essential mediator of synaptic plasticity in PD and regulates edematous states in the brain after TBI. Whether the cellular and parenchymal changes seen post-TBI directly cause neurodegenerative diseases such as PD is a point of considerable interest and debate; this review explores the vast array of neuroimmunological interactions and subsequent analogous changes that occur in TBI and PD. There is significant interest in exploring the validity of the relationship between TBI and PD, which is a focus of this review.

Expression Mapping and Functional Analysis of Orphan G-Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR158 in the Adult Mouse Brain Using a GPR158 Transgenic Mouse

Aberrant expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 158 (GPR158) has been reported to be inextricably linked to a variety of diseases affecting the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), depression, intraocular pressure, and glioma, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive due to a lack of biological and pharmacological tools to elaborate its preferential cellular distribution and molecular interaction network. To assess the cellular localization, expression, and function of GPR158, we generated an epitope-tagged GPR158 mouse model (GPR158Tag) that exhibited normal motor, cognitive, and social behavior, no deficiencies in social memory, and no anxiety-like behavior compared to C57BL/6J control mice at P60. Using immunofluorescence, we found that GPR158+ cells were distributed in several brain regions including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and caudate putamen. Next, using the cerebral cortex of the adult GPR158Tag mice as a representative region, we found that GPR158 was only expressed in neurons, and not in microglia, oligodendrocytes, or astrocytes. Remarkably, the majority of GPR158 was enriched in Camk2a+ neurons whilst limited expression was found in PV+ interneurons. Concomitant 3D co-localization analysis revealed that GPR158 was mainly distributed in the postsynaptic membrane, but with a small portion in the presynaptic membrane. Lastly, via mass spectrometry analysis, we identified proteins that may interact with GPR158, and the relevant enrichment pathways were consistent with the immunofluorescence findings. RNA-seq analysis of the cerebral cortex of the GPR158−/− mice showed that GPR158 and its putative interacting proteins are involved in the chloride channel complex and synaptic vesicle membrane composition. Using these GPR158Tag mice, we were able to accurately label GPR158 and uncover its fundamental function in synaptic vesicle function and memory. Thus, this model will be a useful tool for subsequent biological, pharmacological, and electrophysiological studies related to GPR158.

Employing non-targeted interactomics approach and subcellular fractionation to increase our understanding of the ghost proteome

Eukaryotic mRNA has long been considered monocistronic, but nowadays, alternative proteins (AltProts) challenge this tenet. The alternative or ghost proteome has largely been neglected and the involvement of AltProts in biological processes. Here, we used subcellular fractionation to increase the information about AltProts and facilitate the detection of protein-protein interactions by the identification of crosslinked peptides. In total, 112 unique AltProts were identified, and we were able to identify 220 crosslinks without peptide enrichment. Among these, 16 crosslinks between AltProts and Referenced Proteins (RefProts) were identified. We further focused on specific examples such as the interaction between IP_2292176 (AltFAM227B) and HLA-B, in which this protein could be a potential new immunopeptide, and the interactions between HIST1H4F and several AltProts which can play a role in mRNA transcription. Thanks to the study of the interactome and the localization of AltProts, we can reveal more of the importance of the ghost proteome.

Inflammasomes as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in traumatic brain injury and related-neurodegenerative diseases: A comprehensive overview

Given the ambiguity surrounding traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathophysiology and the lack of any Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved neurotherapeutic drugs, there is an increasing need to better understand the mechanisms of TBI. Recently, the roles of inflammasomes have been highlighted as both potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers in different neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, inflammasome activation plays a pivotal function in the central nervous system (CNS) response to many neurological conditions, as well as to several neurodegenerative disorders, specifically, TBI. This comprehensive review summarizes and critically discusses the mechanisms that govern the activation and assembly of inflammasome complexes and the major methods used to study inflammasome activation in TBI and its implication for other neurodegenerative disorders. Also, we will review how inflammasome activation is critical in CNS homeostasis and pathogenesis, and how it can impact chronic TBI sequalae and increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we discuss the recent updates on inflammasome-related biomarkers and the potential to utilize inflammasomes as putative therapeutic targets that hold the potential to better diagnose and treat subjects with TBI.

Neurotrauma investigation through spatial omics guided by mass spectrometry imaging: Target identification and clinical applications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the major public health concerns worldwide due to the increase in TBI incidence as a result of injuries from daily life accidents such as sports and motor vehicle transportation as well as military-related practices. This type of central nervous system trauma is known to predispose patients to several neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, chronic trauamatic encephalopathy, and age-related Dementia. Recently, several proteomic and lipidomic platforms have been applied on different TBI studies to investigate TBI-related mechanisms that have broadened our understanding of its distinct neuropathological complications. In this study, we provide an updated comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and novel perspectives of the spatially resolved microproteomics and microlipidomics approaches guided by mass spectrometry imaging used in TBI studies and its applications in the neurotrauma field. In this regard, we will discuss the use of the spatially resolved microproteomics and assess the different microproteomic sampling methods such as laser capture microdissection, parafilm assisted microdissection, and liquid microjunction extraction as accurate and precise techniques in the field of neuroproteomics. Additionally, we will highlight lipid profiling applications and their prospective potentials in characterizing molecular processes involved in the field of TBI. Specifically, we will discuss the phospholipid metabolism acting as a precursor for proinflammatory molecules such as eicosanoids. Finally, we will survey the current state of spatial neuroproteomics and microproteomics applications and present the various studies highlighting their findings in these fields.

Emerging Computational Methods in Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful analytical technique that generates maps of hundreds of molecules in biological samples with high sensitivity and molecular specificity. Advanced MSI platforms with capability of high-spatial resolution and high-throughput acquisition generate vast amount of data, which necessitates the development of computational tools for MSI data analysis. In addition, computation-driven MSI experiments have recently emerged as enabling technologies for further improving the MSI capabilities with little or no hardware modification. This review provides a critical summary of computational methods and resources developed for MSI data analysis and interpretation along with computational approaches for improving throughput and molecular coverage in MSI experiments. This review is focused on the recently developed artificial intelligence methods and provides an outlook for a future paradigm shift in MSI with transformative computational methods.

Research Status of the Orphan G Protein Coupled Receptor 158 and Future Perspectives

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain one of the most successful targets for therapeutic drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many novel orphan GPCRs have been identified by human genome sequencing and considered as putative targets for refractory diseases. Of note, a series of studies have been carried out involving GPCR 158 (or GPR158) since its identification in 2005, predominantly focusing on the characterization of its roles in the progression of cancer and mental illness. However, advances towards an in-depth understanding of the biological mechanism(s) involved for clinical application of GPR158 are lacking. In this paper, we clarify the origin of the GPR158 evolution in different species and summarize the relationship between GPR158 and different diseases towards potential drug target identification, through an analysis of the sequences and substructures of GPR158. Further, we discuss how recent studies set about unraveling the fundamental features and principles, followed by future perspectives and thoughts, which may lead to prospective therapies involving GPR158.

Olfactory Bulb Excitotoxicity as a Gap-Filling Mechanism Underlying the Link Between Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Secondary Neuronal Degeneration and Parkinson's Disease-Like Pathology

There is increasing preclinical and clinical data supporting a potential association between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Parkinson's disease (PD). It has been suggested that the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity underlying TBI secondary neuronal degeneration (SND) might be associated with further development of PD. Interestingly, an accumulation of extracellular glutamate and olfactory dysfunction are both sharing pathological conditions in TBI and PD. The possible involvement of glutamate excitotoxicity in olfactory dysfunction has been recently described, however, the role of olfactory bulbs (OB) glutamate excitotoxicity as a possible mechanism involved in the association between TBI and PD-related neurodegeneration has not been investigated yet. We examined the number of nigral dopaminergic neurons (TH +), nigral α-synuclein expression, the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) expression, and motor performance after bilateral OB N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxic lesions in rodents. Bulbar NMDA administration induced a decrease in the number of correct choices in the discrimination tests one week after lesions (p < 0.01) and a significant decrease in the number of nigral DAergic neurons (p < 0.01) associated with an increase in α-synuclein expression (p < 0.01). No significant striatal changes in DAT expression or motor alterations were observed. Our results show an association between TBI-induced SND and PD-related neurodegeneration suggesting that the OB excitotoxicity occurring in TBI SND may be a filling gap mechanism underlying the link between TBI and PD-like pathology.

Future Perspectives in Spinal Cord Repair: Brain as Saviour? TSCI with Concurrent TBI: Pathophysiological Interaction and Impact on MSC Treatment

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), commonly caused by high energy trauma in young active patients, is frequently accompanied by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although combined trauma results in inferior clinical outcomes and a higher mortality rate, the understanding of the pathophysiological interaction of co-occurring TSCI and TBI remains limited. This review provides a detailed overview of the local and systemic alterations due to TSCI and TBI, which severely affect the autonomic and sensory nervous system, immune response, the blood-brain and spinal cord barrier, local perfusion, endocrine homeostasis, posttraumatic metabolism, and circadian rhythm. Because currently developed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapeutic strategies for TSCI provide only mild benefit, this review raises awareness of the impact of TSCI-TBI interaction on TSCI pathophysiology and MSC treatment. Therefore, we propose that unravelling the underlying pathophysiology of TSCI with concomitant TBI will reveal promising pharmacological targets and therapeutic strategies for regenerative therapies, further improving MSC therapy.

DNA methylation under the major depression pathway predicts pediatric quality of life four-month post-pediatric mild traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Major depression has been recognized as the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric complication of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Moreover, major depression is associated with poor outcomes following mTBI; however, the underlying biological mechanisms of this are largely unknown. Recently, genomic and epigenetic factors have been increasingly implicated in the recovery following TBI.

RESULTS

This study leveraged DNA methylation within the major depression pathway, along with demographic and behavior measures (features used in the clinical model) to predict post-concussive symptom burden and quality of life four-month post-injury in a cohort of 110 pediatric mTBI patients and 87 age-matched healthy controls. The results demonstrated that including DNA methylation markers in the major depression pathway improved the prediction accuracy for quality of life but not persistent post-concussive symptom burden. Specifically, the prediction accuracy (i.e., the correlation between the predicted value and observed value) of quality of life was improved from 0.59 (p = 1.20 × 10^-3) (clinical model) to 0.71 (p = 3.89 × 10^-5); the identified cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites were mainly in the open sea regions and the mapped genes were related to TBI in several molecular studies. Moreover, depression symptoms were a strong predictor (with large weights) for both post-concussive symptom burden and pediatric quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasized that both molecular and behavioral manifestations of depression symptoms played a prominent role in predicting the recovery process following pediatric mTBI, suggesting the urgent need to further study TBI-caused depression symptoms for better recovery outcome.

Microproteomic sample preparation

Multiple applications of proteomics in life and health science, pathology and pharmacology, require handling size-limited cell and tissue samples. During proteomic sample preparation, analyte loss in these samples arises when standard procedures are used. Thus, specific considerations have to be taken into account for processing, that are summarised under the term microproteomics (μPs). Microproteomic workflows include: sampling (e.g., flow cytometry, laser capture microdissection), sample preparation (possible disruption of cells or tissue pieces via lysis, protein extraction, digestion in bottom-up approaches, and sample clean-up) and analysis (chromatographic or electrophoretic separation, mass spectrometric measurements and statistical/bioinformatic evaluation). All these steps must be optimised to reach wide protein dynamic ranges and high numbers of identifications. Under optimal conditions, sampling is adapted to the studied sample types and nature, sample preparation isolates and enriches the whole protein content, clean-up removes salts and other interferences such as detergents or chaotropes, and analysis identifies as many analytes as the instrumental throughput and sensitivity allow. In the suggested review, we present and discuss the current state in μP applications for processing of small number of cells (cell μPs) and microscopic tissue regions (tissue μPs).

Potential Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Methamphetamine Treatment in Traumatic Brain Injury Defined by Large-Scale IonStar-Based Quantitative Proteomics

Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes hospitalizations and mortality worldwide, there are no approved neuroprotective treatments, partly due to a poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TBI neuropathology and neuroprotection. We previously reported that the administration of low-dose methamphetamine (MA) induced significant functional/cognitive improvements following severe TBI in rats. We further demonstrated that MA mediates neuroprotection in part, via dopamine-dependent activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Here, we further investigated the proteomic changes within the rat cortex and hippocampus following mild TBI (TM), severe TBI (TS), or severe TBI plus MA treatment (TSm) compared to sham operated controls. We identified 402 and 801 altered proteins (APs) with high confidence in cortical and hippocampal tissues, respectively. The overall profile of APs observed in TSm rats more closely resembled those seen in TM rather than TS rats. Pathway analysis suggested beneficial roles for acute signaling through IL-6, TGFβ, and IL-1β. Moreover, changes in fibrinogen levels observed in TSm rats suggested a potential role for these proteins in reducing/preventing TBI-induced coagulopathies. These data facilitate further investigations to identify specific pathways and proteins that may serve as key targets for the development of neuroprotective therapies.

Histo-molecular differentiation of renal cancer subtypes by mass spectrometry imaging and rapid proteome profiling of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sections

Pathology differentiation of renal cancer types is challenging due to tissue similarities or overlapping histological features of various tumor (sub) types. As assessment is often manually conducted outcomes can be prone to human error and therefore require high-level expertise and experience. Mass spectrometry can provide detailed histo-molecular information on tissue and is becoming increasingly popular in clinical settings. Spatially resolving technologies such as mass spectrometry imaging and quantitative microproteomics profiling in combination with machine learning approaches provide promising tools for automated tumor classification of clinical tissue sections.

In this proof of concept study we used MALDI-MS imaging (MSI) and rapid LC-MS/MS-based microproteomics technologies (15 min/sample) to analyze formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections and classify renal oncocytoma (RO, n = 11), clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC, n = 12) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC, n = 5). Both methods were able to distinguish ccRCC, RO and ChRCC in cross-validation experiments. MSI correctly classified 87% of the patients whereas the rapid LC-MS/MS-based microproteomics approach correctly classified 100% of the patients.

This strategy involving MSI and rapid proteome profiling by LC-MS/MS reveals molecular features of tumor sections and enables cancer subtype classification. Mass spectrometry provides a promising complementary approach to current pathological technologies for precise digitized diagnosis of diseases.

Metabolomics Analysis of Hippocampus and Cortex in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury in the Subacute Phase

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex and serious disease as its multifaceted pathophysiological mechanisms remain vague. The molecular changes of hippocampal and cortical dysfunction in the process of TBI are poorly understood, especially their chronic effects on metabolic profiles. Here we utilize metabolomics-based liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry coupled with bioinformatics method to assess the perturbation of brain metabolism in rat hippocampus and cortex on day 7. The results revealed a signature panel which consisted of 13 identified metabolites to facilitate targeted interventions for subacute TBI discrimination. Purine metabolism change in cortical tissue and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism change in hippocampal tissue were detected. Furthermore, the associations between the metabolite markers and the perturbed pathways were analyzed based on databases: 64 enzyme and one pathway were evolved in TBI. The findings represented significant profiling changes and provided unique metabolite-protein information in a rat model of TBI following the subacute phase. This study may inspire scientists and doctors to further their studies and provide potential therapy targets for clinical interventions.