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Molecular imaging by mass spectrometry — looking beyond classical histology

Nature Reviews Cancer volume 10, pages 639–646 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

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.

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Figure 1: Principles of MALDI-TOF IMS.
Figure 2: Workflow for MALDI IMS analysis.
Figure 3: Comparison of IHC and MALDI IMS results.
Figure 4: Small molecule imaging.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank E. H. Seeley for brain images, M. R. Groseclose for lung images, and M. L. Reyzer, H. C. Manning and R. A. Smith for whole mouse images.

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  1. Department of Biochemistry, Kristina Schwamborn and Richard M. Caprioli are at the Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2195, USA.,

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Correspondence to Richard M. Caprioli.

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DATABASES

National Cancer Institute Drug Dictionary

erlotinib

oxaliplatin

paclitaxel

trastuzumab

vinblastine

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Schwamborn, K., Caprioli, R. Molecular imaging by mass spectrometry — looking beyond classical histology. Nat Rev Cancer 10, 639–646 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc2917

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