Spatial Mass Spectrometry

Spatial Mass Spectrometry is a label-free method that enables visualization and quantitative analysis of the distribution of targeted or untargeted chemical species directly in tissue sections. It utilizes advanced MSI instruments (Mass Spectrometry Imaging) and ionization methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI). The speed, sensitivity, and molecular specificity of mass spectrometers allow for direct and simultaneous imaging of hundreds to thousands of molecules (in each pixel). The Spatial Mass Spectrometry Unit provides services for imaging of drugs, their metabolites, and endogenous biomolecules such as metabolites, neurotransmitters, lipids, peptides, and small proteins directly in tissue sections with nearly cellular lateral resolution.

Services

We perform everything from project design, sample preparation, and imaging of tissue sections to optimize project results using bioinformatics tools.

All projects are unique and may require individual method development to varying extents. Proposed projects are assessed and prioritized according to the following model:

Initial screening of the project
• Technical feasibility and method development (stop/go decision)
• Capacity requested for the project (stop/go decision)
• Pilot study (stop/go decision)

Project prioritization is based on:
• Scientific potential
• The importance of facility-specific technology for the project
• Supporting preliminary data from other techniques
• Supporting facility development (expertise and technologies)
• Feasibility for timelines

Applications

• ADME
MSI enables simultaneous and label-free quantitative analysis of drugs and metabolites across multiple tissue types.

• Safety Toxicology
MSI provides an alternative for tissue classification at the molecular level and can thus be highly useful as an alternative or complement to histology for the diagnosis and characterization of toxicological findings.

• Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Permeability
MSI visualizes and quantifies the distribution of drugs across the brain with varying blood-brain barrier permeability, determines blood-brain barrier permeability, and defines drug distribution in very small brain structures.

• Neuroscience
MSI provides a strategy for simultaneous imaging, identification, and quantification of the absolute concentrations of multiple neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter precursors and metabolites directly in brain tissue sections.

• Oncology and Pathology
MSI has the ability to detect and characterize tumor cells and their environment in a spatial context and can be a complement to pathologists and clinicians.

Using the facility

Please send an email with any questions, suggestions, or project proposals. We will get back to you soon to schedule a meeting for further discussions.

Contact us

Per Andrén
per.andren@uu.se

Anna Nilsson
anna.nilsson@uu.se