Challenges and recent advances in mass spectrometric imaging of neurotransmitters

Probe-based mass spectrometry approaches for single-cell and single-organelle measurements

Exploring the chemical content of individual cells not only reveals underlying cell-to-cell chemical heterogeneity but is also a key component in understanding how cells combine to form emergent properties of cellular networks and tissues. Recent technological advances in many analytical techniques including mass spectrometry (MS) have improved instrumental limits of detection and laser/ion probe dimensions, allowing the analysis of micron and submicron sized areas. In the case of MS, these improvements combined with MS's broad analyte detection capabilities have enabled the rise of single-cell and single-organelle chemical characterization. As the chemical coverage and throughput of single-cell measurements increase, more advanced statistical and data analysis methods have aided in data visualization and interpretation. This review focuses on secondary ion MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS approaches for single-cell and single-organelle characterization, which is followed by advances in mass spectral data visualization and analysis.

SERS Sensing of Dopamine with Fe(III)-Sensitized Nanogaps in Recleanable AuNP Monolayer Films

Sensing of neurotransmitters (NTs) down to nm concentrations is demonstrated by utilizing self-assembled monolayers of plasmonic 60 nm Au nanoparticles in close-packed arrays immobilized onto glass substrates. Multiplicative surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy enhancements are achieved by integrating Fe(III) sensitizers into the precisely-defined <1 nm nanogaps, to target dopamine (DA) sensing. The transparent glass substrates allow for efficient access from both sides of the monolayer aggregate films by fluid and light, allowing repeated sensing in different analytes. Repeated reusability after analyte sensing is shown through oxygen plasma cleaning protocols, which restore pristine conditions for the nanogaps. Examining binding competition in multiplexed sensing of two catecholamine NTs, DA and epinephrine, reveals their bidentate binding and their interactions. These systems are promising for widespread microfluidic integration enabling a wide range of continuous biofluid monitoring for applications in precision health.

A SERS Composite Hydrogel Device for Point-of-Care Analysis of Neurotransmitter in Whole Blood

Point-of-care analysis of neurotransmitters in body fluids plays a significant role in healthcare improvement. Conventional approaches are limited by time-consuming procedures and usually require laboratory instruments for sample preparation. Herein, we developed a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composite hydrogel device for the rapid analysis of neurotransmitters in whole blood samples. The PEGDA/SA composite hydrogel enabled fast separation of small molecules from the complex blood matrix, while the plasmonic SERS substrate allowed for the sensitive detection of target molecules. 3D printing was employed to integrate the hydrogel membrane and the SERS substrate into a systematic device. The sensor achieved highly sensitive detection of dopamine in whole blood samples with a limit of detection down to 1 nM. The whole detection process from sample preparation to SERS readout can be finished within 5 min. Due to the simple operation and rapid response, the device shows great potential in point-of-care diagnosis and the monitoring of neurological and cardiovascular diseases and disorders.

Recent advances in mass spectrometry analysis of neuropeptides

Due to their involvement in numerous biochemical pathways, neuropeptides have been the focus of many recent research studies. Unfortunately, classic analytical methods, such as western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are extremely limited in terms of global investigations, leading researchers to search for more advanced techniques capable of probing the entire neuropeptidome of an organism. With recent technological advances, mass spectrometry (MS) has provided methodology to gain global knowledge of a neuropeptidome on a spatial, temporal, and quantitative level. This review will cover key considerations for the analysis of neuropeptides by MS, including sample preparation strategies, instrumental advances for identification, structural characterization, and imaging; insightful functional studies; and newly developed absolute and relative quantitation strategies. While many discoveries have been made with MS, the methodology is still in its infancy. Many of the current challenges and areas that need development will also be highlighted in this review.

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.

Spatial analysis of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicology using mass spectrometry imaging

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is emerging as a powerful analytical tool for detection, quantification, and simultaneous spatial molecular imaging of endogenous and exogenous molecules via in situ mass spectrometry analysis of thin tissue sections without the requirement of chemical labeling. The MSI generates chemically specific and spatially resolved ion distribution information for administered drugs and metabolites, which allows numerous applications for studies involving various stages of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET). MSI-based pharmacokinetic imaging analysis provides a histological context and cellular environment regarding dynamic drug distribution and metabolism processes, and facilitates the understanding of the spatial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs. Herein, we discuss the MSI's current technological developments that offer qualitative, quantitative, and spatial location information of small molecule drugs, antibody, and oligonucleotides macromolecule drugs, and their metabolites in preclinical and clinical tissue specimens. We highlight the macro and micro drug-distribution in the whole-body, brain, lung, liver, kidney, stomach, intestine tissue sections, organoids, and the latest applications of MSI in pharmaceutical ADMET studies.

Review of Recent Advances in Lipid Analysis of Biological Samples via Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The rapid and direct structural characterization of lipids proves to be critical for studying the functional roles of lipids in many biological processes. Among numerous analytical techniques, ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) allows for a direct molecular characterization of lipids from various complex biological samples with no/minimal sample pretreatment. Over the recent years, researchers have expanded the applications of the AIMS techniques to lipid structural elucidation via a combination with a series of derivatization strategies (e.g., the Paternò–Büchi (PB) reaction, ozone-induced dissociation (OzID), and epoxidation reaction), including carbon–carbon double bond (C=C) locations and sn-positions isomers. Herein, this review summarizes the reaction mechanisms of various derivatization strategies for C=C bond analysis, typical instrumental setup, and applications of AIMS in the structural elucidation of lipids from various biological samples (e.g., tissues, cells, and biofluids). In addition, future directions of AIMS for lipid structural elucidation are discussed.

Faster, better, and cheaper: harnessing microfluidics and mass spectrometry for biotechnology

High-throughput screening technologies are widely used for elucidating biological activities. These typically require trade-offs in assay specificity and sensitivity to achieve higher throughput. Microfluidic approaches enable rapid manipulation of small volumes and have found a wide range of applications in biotechnology providing improved control of reaction conditions, faster assays, and reduced reagent consumption. The integration of mass spectrometry with microfluidics has the potential to create high-throughput, sensitivity, and specificity assays. This review introduces the widely-used mass spectrometry ionization techniques that have been successfully integrated with microfluidics approaches such as continuous-flow system, microchip electrophoresis, droplet microfluidics, digital microfluidics, centrifugal microfluidics, and paper microfluidics. In addition, we discuss recent applications of microfluidics integrated with mass spectrometry in single-cell analysis, compound screening, and the study of microorganisms. Lastly, we provide future outlooks towards online coupling, improving the sensitivity and integration of multi-omics into a single platform.

Combining the Katritzky Reaction and Paper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Enhanced Detection of Amino Acid Neurotransmitters in Mouse Brain Sections

This work describes the development of a system that combines a derivatization protocol based on the Katritzky reaction with paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) for the analysis of amino acid neurotransmitters in mouse brain tissues. The system is relatively simple, consisting of spraying the derivatization solution onto a mouse brain section mounted on a glass slide, applying a small volume of solvent to moisten the sample, pressing a triangular paper onto the sample surface to transfer the sample constituents to the paper surface, and using the paper as a substrate for PSI-MS analysis. The Katritzky reaction facilitated the ionization of the amino acids by reacting a pyrylium salt with the amino group of the analytes, forming very stable pyridinium cations, which greatly increased the sensitivity of the PSI-MS analysis. Most of the intensities of the amino acids modified by the Katritzky reaction were more than 10 times greater than the nonderivatized ones. The system was applied for the analysis of brain sections obtained from mice with Parkinson's disease, and the amino acids gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine (Gly), two compounds very well-known in studies of Parkinson's disease, were readily detected. The results suggest that the Katritzky reaction combined with PSI-MS might offer a significant advance in the knowledge on protocols that improve the sensitivity of detection of crucial biological compounds.

Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Metabolomes and Lipidomes for Tracking Changes and Therapeutic Response in Traumatic Brain Injury Surrounding Injured Area at Chronic Phase

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex disease process that may contribute to temporary or permanent disability. Tracking spatial changes of lipids and metabolites in the brain helps unveil the underlying mechanisms of the disease procession and therapeutic response. Here, the liquid microjunction surface sampling technique was used for mass spectrometry imaging of both lipids and metabolites in rat models of controlled cortical impact with and without XueFu ZhuYu decoction treatment, and the work was focused on the diffuse changes outside the injured area at chronic phase (14 days after injury). Quantitative information was provided for phosphotidylcholines and cerebrosides by adding internal standards in the sampling solvent. With principal component analysis for the imaging data, the midbrain was found to be the region with the largest diffuse changes following TBI outside the injured area. In detail, several phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidic acids, and diacylglycerols were found to be significantly up-regulated particularly in midbrain and thalamus after TBI and XFZY treatment. It is associated with the reported "self-repair" mechanisms at the chronic phase of TBI activated by neuroinflammation. Several glycosphingolipids were found to be increased in most of brain regions after TBI, which was inferred to be associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress triggered by TBI. Moreover, different classes of small matabolites were significantly changed after TBI, including fatty acids, amino acids, and purines. All these compounds were involved in 10 metabolic pathway networks, and 6 target proteins of XFZY were found related to the impacted pathways. These results shed light on the molecular mechanisms of TBI pathologic processes and therapeutic response.

Clinical Insights into Mitochondrial Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Their Biosignatures from Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics

Mitochondria are dynamic multitask organelles that function as hubs for many metabolic pathways. They produce most ATP via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, a critical pathway that the brain relies on its energy need associated with its numerous functions, such as synaptic homeostasis and plasticity. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction is a prevalent pathological hallmark of many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders resulting in altered neurometabolic coupling. With the advent of mass spectrometry (MS) technology, MS-based metabolomics provides an emerging mechanistic understanding of their global and dynamic metabolic signatures. In this review, we discuss the pathogenetic causes of mitochondrial metabolic disorders and the recent MS-based metabolomic advances on their metabolomic remodeling. We conclude by exploring the MS-based metabolomic functional insights into their biosignatures to improve diagnostic platforms, stratify patients, and design novel targeted therapeutic strategies.

Mass spectrometry imaging of blast overpressure induced modulation of GABA/glutamate levels in the central auditory neuraxis of Chinchilla

Acoustic trauma damages inner ear neural structures including cochlear hair cells which result in hearing loss and neurotransmitter imbalances within the synapses of the central auditory pathway. Disruption of GABA/glutamate levels underlies, tinnitus, a phantom perception of sound that persists post-exposure to blast noise which may manifest in tandem with acute/chronic loss of hearing. Many putative theories explain tinnitus physiology based on indirect and direct assays in animal models and humans, although there is no comprehensive evidence to explain the phenomenon. Here, GABA/glutamate levels were imaged and quantified in a blast overpressure model of chinchillas using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry imaging. The direct measurement from whole-brain sections identified the relative levels of GABA/glutamate in the central auditory neuraxis centers including the cochlear nucleus, inferior colliculus, and auditory cortex. These preliminary results provide insight on the homeostasis of GABA/glutamate within whole-brain sections of chinchilla for investigation of the pathomechanism of blast-induced tinnitus.

Real-time sensing of neurotransmitters by functionalized nanopores embedded in a single live cell

Interface between neuron cells and biomaterials is the key to real-time sensing, transmitting and manipulating of neuron activities, which are the long-term pursue of scientists and gain intense research focus recently. It is of great interest to develop a sensor with exquisite sensitivity and excellent selectivity for real-time monitoring neurotransmitters transport through single live cell. Sensing techniques including electrode-based methods, optogenetics, and nanowire cell penetration systems have been developed to monitor the neuron activities. However, their biocompatibilities remain a challenge. Protein nanopores with membrane compatibility and lumen tunability provide real-time, single-molecule sensitivities for biosensing of DNA, RNA, peptides and small molecules. In this study, an engineered protein nanopore MspA (Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A) through site-directed mutation with histidine selectively bind with Cu²⁺ in its internal lumen. Chelation of neurotransmitters such as L-glutamate (L-Glu), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) with the Cu²⁺ creates specific current signals, showing different transient current blockade and dwell time in single channel electrophysiological recording. Furthermore, the functionalized M2MspA-N91H nanopores have been embedded in live HEK293T cell membrane for real-time, in situ monitoring of extracellular L-glutamate translocating through the nanopore. This biomimetic neurotransmitter nanopore has provided a new platform for future development of neuron sensors, drug carrier and artificial synapse.

Mass shift in mass spectrometry imaging: comprehensive analysis and practical corrective workflow

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows the mapping and the tentative identification of compounds based on their m/z value. In typical MSI, a spectrum is taken at incremental 2D coordinates (pixels) across a sample surface. Single pixel mass spectra show the resolving power of the mass analyzer. Mass shift, i.e., variations of the m/z of the same ion(s), may occur from one pixel to another. The superposition of shifted masses from individual pixels peaks apparently degrades the resolution and the mass accuracy in the average spectrum. This leads to low confidence annotations and biased localization in the image. Besides the intrinsic performances of the analyzer, the sample properties (local composition, thickness, matrix deposition) and the calibration method are sources of mass shift. Here, we report a critical analysis and recommendations to mitigate these sources of mass shift. Mass shift 2D distributions were mapped to illustrate its effect and explore systematically its origin. Adapting the sample preparation, carefully selecting the data acquisition settings, and wisely applying post-processing methods (i.e., m/z realignment or individual m/z recalibration pixel by pixel) are key factors to lower the mass shift and to improve image quality and annotations. A recommended workflow, resulting from a comprehensive analysis, was successfully applied to several complex samples acquired on both MALDI ToF and MALDI FT-ICR instruments.

Localization of Major Ephedra Alkaloids in Whole Aerial Parts of Ephedrae Herba Using Direct Analysis in Real Time-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry-based molecular imaging has been utilized to map the spatial distribution of target metabolites in various matrixes. Among the diverse mass spectrometry techniques, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is the most popular for molecular imaging due to its powerful spatial resolution. This unparalleled high resolution, however, can paradoxically act as a bottleneck when the bio-imaging of large areas, such as a whole plant, is required. To address this issue and provide a more versatile tool for large scale bio-imaging, direct analysis in real-time-time of flight-mass spectrometry (DART-TOF-MS), an ambient ionization MS, was applied to whole plant bio-imaging of a medicinal plant, Ephedrae Herba. The whole aerial part of the plant was cut into 10–20 cm long pieces, and each part was further cut longitudinally to compare the contents of major ephedra alkaloids between the outer surface and inner part of the stem. Using optimized DART-TOF-MS conditions, molecular imaging of major ephedra alkaloids of the whole aerial part of a single plant was successfully achieved. The concentration of alkaloids analyzed in this study was found to be higher on the inner section than the outer surface of stems. Moreover, side branches, which are used in traditional medicine, represented a far higher concentration of alkaloids than the main stem. In terms of the spatial metabolic distribution, the contents of alkaloids gradually decreased towards the end of branch tips. In this study, a fast and simple macro-scale MS imaging of the whole plant was successfully developed using DART-TOF-MS. This application on the localization of secondary metabolites in whole plants can provide an area of new research using ambient ionization mass spectroscopy and an unprecedented macro-scale view of the biosynthesis and distribution of active components in medicinal plants.

Recent developments of novel matrices and on-tissue chemical derivatization reagents for MALDI-MSI

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a fast-growing technique for visualization of the spatial distribution of the small molecular and macromolecular biomolecules in tissue sections. Challenges in MALDI-MSI, such as poor sensitivity for some classes of molecules or limited specificity, for instance resulting from the presence of isobaric molecules or limited resolving power of the instrument, have encouraged the MSI scientific community to improve MALDI-MSI sample preparation workflows with innovations in chemistry. Recent developments of novel small organic MALDI matrices play a part in the improvement of image quality and the expansion of the application areas of MALDI-MSI. This includes rationally designed/synthesized as well as commercially available small organic molecules whose superior matrix properties in comparison with common matrices have only recently been discovered. Furthermore, on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) processes get more focused attention, because of their advantages for localization of poorly ionizable metabolites and their‚ in several cases‚ more specific imaging of metabolites in tissue sections. This review will provide an overview about the latest developments of novel small organic matrices and on-tissue chemical derivatization reagents for MALDI-MSI.

Accelerating Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry Imaging Using a Subspace Approach

We present a subspace method that accelerates data acquisition using Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). For MSI of biological tissue samples, there is a finite number of heterogeneous tissue types with distinct chemical profiles that introduce redundancy in the high-dimensional measurements. Our subspace model exploits the redundancy in data measured from whole-slice tissue samples by decomposing the transient signals into linear combinations of a set of basis transients with the desired spectral resolution. This decomposition allowed us to design a strategy that acquires a subset of long transients for basis determination and short transients for the remaining pixels, drastically reducing the acquisition time. The computational reconstruction strategy can maintain high-mass-resolution and spatial-resolution MSI while providing a 10-fold improvement in throughput. We validated the capability of the subspace model using a rat sagittal brain slice imaging data set. Comprehensive evaluation of the quality of the mass spectral and ion images demonstrated that the reconstructed data produced by the reported method required only 15% of the typical acquisition time and exhibited both qualitative and quantitative consistency when compared to the original data. Our method enables either higher sample throughput or higher-resolution images at similar acquisition lengths, providing greater flexibility in obtaining FT-ICR MSI measurements.

Combining MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and droplet-base surface sampling analysis for tissue distribution, metabolite profiling, and relative quantification of cyclic peptide melanotan II

Peptides have become a fast-growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry over the past few decades. It is essential to develop cutting edge analytical techniques to support the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics, especially to examine their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties. Herein, we utilized two label-free mass spectrometry (MS) based techniques to investigate representative challenges in developing therapeutic peptides, such as tissue distribution, metabolic stability and clearance. A tool proof-of-concept cyclic peptide, melanotan II, was used in this study. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), which is a well-developed label-free imaging technique, was used to map the detailed molecular distribution of melanotan II and its metabolites. Droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LMJ-SSP-LC-HRMS) was used in combination with MALDI-MSI to rapidly profile molecular information and provide structural insights on drug and metabolites. Using both techniques in parallel allowed a more comprehensive and complementary data set than using either technique independently. We envision MALDI-MSI and droplet-based LMJ-SSP-LC-HRMS, which can be used in combination or as standalone techniques, to become valuable tools for assessing the in vivo fate of peptide therapeutics in support of drug discovery and development.

Gold Nanoparticle-Assisted Black Silicon Substrates for Mass Spectrometry Imaging Applications

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is widely used in proteomics. However, matrix-free technologies are gaining popularity for detecting low molecular mass compounds. Small molecules were analyzed with nanostructured materials as ionization promoters, which produce low-to-no background signal, and facilitate enhanced specificity and sensitivity through functionalization. We investigated the fabrication and the use of black silicon and gold-coated black silicon substrates for surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (SALDI-MSI) of animal tissues and human fingerprints. Black silicon was created using dry etching, while gold nanoparticles were deposited by sputtering. Both methods are safe for the user. Physicochemical characterization and MSI measurements revealed the optimal properties of the substrates for SALDI applications. The gold-coated black silicon worked considerably better than black silicon as the LDI-MSI substrate. The substrate was also compatible with imprinting, as a sample-simplification method that allows efficient transference of metabolites from the tissues to the substrate surface, without compound delocalization. Moreover, by modifying the surface with hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, specific interactions were stimulated between surface and sample, leading to a selective analysis of molecules. Thus, our substrate facilitates targeted and/or untargeted in situ metabolomics studies for various fields such as clinical, environmental, forensics, and pharmaceutical research.

Metabolic Changes in Synaptosomes in an Animal Model of Schizophrenia Revealed by 1H and 1H,13C NMR Spectroscopy

Synaptosomes are isolated nerve terminals that contain synaptic components, including neurotransmitters, metabolites, adhesion/fusion proteins, and nerve terminal receptors. The essential role of synaptosomes in neurotransmission has stimulated keen interest in understanding both their proteomic and metabolic composition. Mass spectrometric (MS) quantification of synaptosomes has illuminated their proteomic composition, but the determination of the metabolic composition by MS has been met with limited success. In this study, we report a proof-of-concept application of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for analyzing the metabolic composition of synaptosomes. We utilize this approach to compare the metabolic composition synaptosomes from a wild-type rat with that from a newly generated genetic rat model (Disc1 svΔ2), which qualitatively recapitulates clinically observed early DISC1 truncations associated with schizophrenia. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using NMR spectroscopy to identify and quantify metabolites within synaptosomal fractions.

DESI-MSI and METASPACE indicates lipid abnormalities and altered mitochondrial membrane components in diabetic renal proximal tubules

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most prevalent complication in diabetic patients, which contributes to high morbidity and mortality. Urine and plasma metabolomics studies have been demonstrated to provide valuable insights for DKD. However, limited information on spatial distributions of metabolites in kidney tissues have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

In this work, we employed an ambient desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) coupled to a novel bioinformatics platform (METASPACE) to characterize the metabolome in a mouse model of DKD.

METHODS

DESI-MSI was performed for spatial untargeted metabolomics analysis in kidneys of mouse models (F1 C57BL/6J-Ins2Akita male mice at 17 weeks of age) of type 1 diabetes (T1D, n = 5) and heathy controls (n = 6).

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses (i.e., PCA and PLS-DA (a 2000 permutation test: P < 0.001)) showed clearly separated clusters for the two groups of mice on the basis of 878 measured m/z's in kidney cortical tissues. Specifically, mice with T1D had increased relative abundances of pseudouridine, accumulation of free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and decreased relative abundances of cardiolipins in cortical proximal tubules when compared with healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Results from the current study support potential key roles of pseudouridine and cardiolipins for maintaining normal RNA structure and normal mitochondrial function, respectively, in cortical proximal tubules with DKD. DESI-MSI technology coupled with METASPACE could serve as powerful new tools to provide insight on fundamental pathways in DKD.

Proteome Imaging: From Classic to Modern Mass Spectrometry-Based Molecular Histology

In order to overcome the limitations of classic imaging in Histology during the actually era of multiomics, the multi-color "molecular microscope" by its emerging "molecular pictures" offers quantitative and spatial information about thousands of molecular profiles without labeling of potential targets. Healthy and diseased human tissues, as well as those of diverse invertebrate and vertebrate animal models, including genetically engineered species and cultured cells, can be easily analyzed by histology-directed MALDI imaging mass spectrometry. The aims of this review are to discuss a range of proteomic information emerging from MALDI mass spectrometry imaging comparative to classic histology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, with applications in biology and medicine, concerning the detection and distribution of structural proteins and biological active molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides and proteins, allergens, neurotransmitters and hormones, enzymes, growth factors, toxins and others. The molecular imaging is very well suited for discovery and validation of candidate protein biomarkers in neuroproteomics, oncoproteomics, aging and age-related diseases, parasitoproteomics, forensic, and ecotoxicology. Additionally, in situ proteome imaging may help to elucidate the physiological and pathological mechanisms involved in developmental biology, reproductive research, amyloidogenesis, tumorigenesis, wound healing, neural network regeneration, matrix mineralization, apoptosis and oxidative stress, pain tolerance, cell cycle and transformation under oncogenic stress, tumor heterogeneity, behavior and aggressiveness, drugs bioaccumulation and biotransformation, organism's reaction against environmental penetrating xenobiotics, immune signaling, assessment of integrity and functionality of tissue barriers, behavioral biology, and molecular origins of diseases. MALDI MSI is certainly a valuable tool for personalized medicine and "Eco-Evo-Devo" integrative biology in the current context of global environmental challenges.

Optical imaging of metabolic dynamics in animals

Direct visualization of metabolic dynamics in living animals with high spatial and temporal resolution is essential to understanding many biological processes. Here we introduce a platform that combines deuterium oxide (D2O) probing with stimulated Raman scattering (DO-SRS) microscopy to image in situ metabolic activities. Enzymatic incorporation of D2O-derived deuterium into macromolecules generates carbon-deuterium (C-D) bonds, which track biosynthesis in tissues and can be imaged by SRS in situ. Within the broad vibrational spectra of C-D bonds, we discover lipid-, protein-, and DNA-specific Raman shifts and develop spectral unmixing methods to obtain C-D signals with macromolecular selectivity. DO-SRS microscopy enables us to probe de novo lipogenesis in animals, image protein biosynthesis without tissue bias, and simultaneously visualize lipid and protein metabolism and reveal their different dynamics. DO-SRS microscopy, being noninvasive, universally applicable, and cost-effective, can be adapted to a broad range of biological systems to study development, tissue homeostasis, aging, and tumor heterogeneity.

A high resolution atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-quadrupole-orbitrap MS platform enables in situ analysis of biomolecules by multi-mode ionization and acquisition

Introduced in 2000, atmospheric pressure (AP)/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has attracted substantial attention in the mass spectrometry community due to its ease of sample introduction and handling, interchangeability with ESI source and capability of analyzing volatile species. In this study, an AP/MALDI source with ultra-high spatial resolution was coupled to a Q Exactive HF orbitrap mass spectrometer for high resolution in situ analysis by MALDI, laserspray ionization (LSI) and matrix assisted ionization (MAI) without instrument modification. LSI and MAI generated multiply charged ions, which expanded the mass detection range and improved fragmentation efficiency. Full MS, targeted MS/MS, data dependent acquisition (DDA) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) acquisitions were performed on peptide and protein standards, tissue extracts and tissue sections for in depth characterization of various biomolecules. High resolution full MS and MS/MS images were obtained from crustacean and rat tissues with pixel size less than 30 μm. Overall, AP/MALDI-Q-Orbitrap is a fast scanning instrument that is capable of performing multiple types of ionization and multiple acquisition modes without instrument modification. This instrument platform provides an attractive alternative to other high resolution MALDI instruments.

Comparison of Vacuum MALDI and AP-MALDI Platforms for the Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Metabolites Involved in Salt Stress in Medicago truncatula

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is routinely used to determine the spatial distributions of various biomolecules in tissues. Recently, there has been an increased interest in creating higher resolution images using sources with more focused beams. One such source, an atmospheric pressure (AP) MALDI source from MassTech, has a laser capable of reaching spatial resolutions of 10 μm. Here, the AP-MALDI source coupled with a Q Exactive HF Orbitrap platform is compared to the commercial MALDI LTQ Orbitrap XL system using Medicago truncatula root nodules. AP-MALDI parameters, such as the S-lens value, capillary temperature, and spray voltage, were optimized on the Q Exactive-HF platform for optimal detection of plant metabolites. The performance of the two systems was evaluated for sensitivity, spatial resolution, and overall ability to detect plant metabolites. The commercial MALDI LTQ Orbitrap XL was superior regarding the number of compounds detected, as at least two times more m/z were detected compared to the AP-MALDI system. However, although the AP-MALDI source requires a spatial resolution higher than 10 μm to get the best signal, the spatial resolution at 30 μm is still superior compared to the 75 μm spatial resolution achieved on the MALDI platform. The AP-MALDI system was also used to investigate the metabolites present in M. truncatula roots and root nodules under high salt and low salt conditions. A discriminative analysis with SCiLS software revealed m/z ions specific to the control and salt conditions. This analysis revealed 44 m/z ions present at relatively higher abundances in the control samples, and 77 m/z enriched in the salt samples. Liquid chromatography-tandem MS was performed to determine the putative molecular identities of some of the mass ions enriched in each sample, including, asparagine, adenosine, and nicotianamine in the control samples, and arginine and soyasaponin I in the salt treated samples.

Is the Pen really Mightier than the Scalpel?

One of the most crucial aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment is to determine the thin boundary between lesional and normal tissues. So it is important to assess an accurate negative margin and to completely excise the tumor for a prolonged disease-free state and increase the overall survival of the patient.

Direct Visualization of Neurotransmitters in Rat Brain Slices by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI - MS)

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of neurotransmitters has so far been mainly performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) where derivatization reagents, deuterated matrix and/or high resolution, or tandem MS have been applied to circumvent problems with interfering ion peaks from matrix and from isobaric species. We herein describe the application of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI)-MSI in rat brain coronal and sagittal slices for direct spatial monitoring of neurotransmitters and choline with no need of derivatization reagents and/or deuterated materials. The amino acids γ-aminobutyric (GABA), glutamate, aspartate, serine, as well as acetylcholine, dopamine, and choline were successfully imaged using a commercial DESI source coupled to a hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The spatial distribution of the analyzed compounds in different brain regions was determined. We conclude that the ambient matrix-free DESI-MSI is suitable for neurotransmitter imaging and could be applied in studies that involve evaluation of imbalances in neurotransmitters levels. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Neuropeptide modulation of pattern-generating systems in crustaceans: comparative studies and approaches

Central pattern generators are subject to modulation by peptides, allowing for flexibility in patterned output. Current techniques used to characterize peptides include mass spectrometry and transcriptomics. In recent years, hundreds of neuropeptides have been sequenced from crustaceans; mass spectrometry has been used to identify peptides and to determine their levels and locations, setting the stage for comparative studies investigating the physiological roles of peptides. Such studies suggest that there is some evolutionary conservation of function, but also divergence of function even within a species. With current baseline data, it should be possible to begin using comparative approaches to ask fundamental questions about why peptides are encoded the way that they are and how this affects nervous system function.

Quantitative mass spectrometry imaging of small-molecule neurotransmitters in rat brain tissue sections using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization

Nano-DESI mass spectrometry imaging enables quantitative imaging of small-molecule neurotransmitters which are essential to the function of the nervous system.

High Throughput In Situ DDA Analysis of Neuropeptides by Coupling Novel Multiplex Mass Spectrometric Imaging (MSI) with Gas-Phase Fractionation

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool to map the spatial distribution of biomolecules on tissue sections. Recent developments of hybrid MS instruments allow combination of different types of data acquisition by various mass analyzers into a single MSI analysis, which reduces experimental time and sample consumptions. Here, using the well-characterized crustacean nervous system as a test-bed, we explore the utility of high resolution and accurate mass (HRAM) MALDI Orbitrap platform for enhanced in situ characterization of the neuropeptidome with improved chemical information. Specifically, we report on a multiplex-MSI method, which combines HRAM MSI with data dependent acquisition (DDA) tandem MS analysis in a single experiment. This method enables simultaneous mapping of neuropeptide distribution, sequence validation, and novel neuropeptide discovery in crustacean neuronal tissues. To enhance the dynamic range and efficiency of in situ DDA, we introduced a novel approach of fractionating full m/z range into several sub-mass ranges and embedding the setup using the multiplex-DDA-MSI scan events to generate pseudo fractionation before MS/MS scans. The division of entire m/z into multiple segments of m/z sub-ranges for MS interrogation greatly decreased the complexity of molecular species from tissue samples and the heterogeneity of the distribution and variation of intensities of m/z peaks. By carefully optimizing the experimental conditions such as the dynamic exclusion, the multiplex-DDA-MSI approach demonstrates better performance with broader precursor coverage, less biased MS/MS scans towards high abundance molecules, and improved quality of tandem mass spectra for low intensity molecular species. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Advances in Mass Spectrometric Tools for Probing Neuropeptides

Neuropeptides are important mediators in the functionality of the brain and other neurological organs. Because neuropeptides exist in a wide range of concentrations, appropriate characterization methods are needed to provide dynamic, chemical, and spatial information. Mass spectrometry and compatible tools have been a popular choice in analyzing neuropeptides. There have been several advances and challenges, both of which are the focus of this review. Discussions range from sample collection to bioinformatic tools, although avenues such as quantitation and imaging are included. Further development of the presented methods for neuropeptidomic mass spectrometric analysis is inevitable, which will lead to a further understanding of the complex interplay of neuropeptides and other signaling molecules in the nervous system.

Imaging Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Neurotransmitters: A Review

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a toolbox of versatile techniques that enable us to investigate analytes in samples at molecular level. In recent years, IMS, and especially matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI), has been used to visualise a wide range of metabolites in biological samples. Simultaneous visualisation of the spatial distribution of metabolites in a single sample with little tissue disruption can be considered as one important advantage of MALDI over other techniques. However, several technical hurdles including low concentrations and rapid degradation rates of small molecule metabolites, matrix interference of signals and poor ionisation, need to be addressed before MALDI can be considered as a reliable tool for the analysis of metabolites such as neurotransmitters in brain tissues from different sources including humans. In the present review we will briefly describe current MALDI IMS techniques used to study neurotransmitters and discuss their current status, challenges, as well as future prospects.

Mass spectrometric analysis of spatio-temporal dynamics of crustacean neuropeptides

Neuropeptides represent one of the largest classes of signaling molecules used by nervous systems to regulate a wide range of physiological processes. Over the past several years, mass spectrometry (MS)-based strategies have revolutionized the discovery of neuropeptides in numerous model organisms, especially in decapod crustaceans. Here, we focus our discussion on recent advances in the use of MS-based techniques to map neuropeptides in the spatial domain and monitoring their dynamic changes in the temporal domain. These MS-enabled investigations provide valuable information about the distribution, secretion and potential function of neuropeptides with high molecular specificity and sensitivity. In situ MS imaging and in vivo microdialysis are highlighted as key technologies for probing spatio-temporal dynamics of neuropeptides in the crustacean nervous system. This review summarizes the latest advancement in MS-based methodologies for neuropeptide analysis including typical workflow and sample preparation strategies as well as major neuropeptide families discovered in decapod crustaceans. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroproteomics: Applications in Neuroscience and Neurology.