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Expanding the Comprehension of the Tumor Microenvironment using Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples
Published on: June 29, 2022
Direct analysis and MALDI imaging of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections
R Lemaire1, A Desmons, J C Tabet
1Laboratoire de Neuroimmunologie des Annélides, FRE-CNRS 2933, MALDI Imaging Team, Cité Scientifique, Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, 59650 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
Journal of Proteome Research
|February 13, 2007
Summary
Analyzing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues for proteomics is now feasible. New MALDI-MS methods enable direct analysis of FFPE samples, unlocking vast archived clinical pathology data for biomarker discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are standard for sample preservation.
- Analyzing FFPE tissues for proteomics biomarkers has been challenging.
- Accessing archived FFPE samples is crucial for clinical pathology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop direct analysis methods for FFPE tissues using MALDI-MS.
- To overcome challenges in FFPE tissue proteomics.
- To enable biomarker discovery from archived clinical samples.
Main Methods:
- Two direct MALDI-MS analysis methods for FFPE tissues were developed.
- Method 1: Reactive matrix (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine) for tissues <1 year old.
- Method 2: In situ enzymatic digestion after paraffin removal for all FFPE tissues, including microdigestion.
Main Results:
- Successful direct analysis of FFPE tissues by MALDI-MS.
- Identification of proteins via nanoLC/MS-MS and MALDI imaging.
- Correlation of protein identification and molecular imaging using adjacent tissue sections.
Conclusions:
- Developed methods provide direct access to FFPE tissue proteomics.
- These approaches facilitate biomarker discovery from extensive archived clinical samples.
- Enables integration of proteomics and molecular imaging from FFPE tissues.
