Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging for peptide and protein analyses: a critical review of on-tissue digestion

J Proteome Res. 2014 Feb 7;13(2):325-35. doi: 10.1021/pr400743a. Epub 2013 Nov 27.

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) has established itself among the plethora of mass spectrometry applications. In the biomedical field, MALDI-MSI is being more frequently recognized as a new method for the discovery of biomarkers and targets of treatment, classification of diseased and healthy tissues, or prediction of the outcome of a pathology. The technology has been used to study the localization of proteolytic peptides directly on tissue sections. A direct correlation between the detected peptides and the distribution and identity of the original precursor protein is the ultimate goal of any MALDI-MSI experiment. Enzymatic digestion protocols are commonly used to reveal the protein signature of these complex tissues. Considerations that pertain to methods of sample preparation, on-tissue digestion, data analysis, and visualization will be addressed. This review will also discuss selected applications of on-tissue digestion combined with the MALDI-MSI technology in biomedicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Peptides / analysis*
  • Proteins / analysis*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Proteins