MALDI tissue imaging: from biomarker discovery to clinical applications

摘要: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful tool for the generation of multidimensional spatial expression maps biomolecules directly from tissue section. From clinical proteomics perspective, this method correlates molecular detail to histopathological changes found in patient-derived tissues, enhancing ability identify candidates disease biomarkers. The unbiased analysis and mapping variety molecules sections can be achieved through method. Conversely, targeted IMS, by incorporation laser-reactive tags onto antibodies, aptamers, other affinity molecules, enables specific or class molecules. In addition exploring during biomarker discovery, integration MALDI-IMS methods into existing pathology laboratory practices could prove beneficial diagnostics. Querying biomarkers biopsy critical component decision-making such markers are major goal translational research. An important challenge cancer diagnostics will assay multiple parameters single slide when quantities limited. development multiplexed assays that maximize yield information small help meet current This review focuses on use discovery its potential as diagnostic with reference our application technology prostate cancer.