Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
09:00
A Streamlined Approach for Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Using Selected Tissue Regions
Published on: April 18, 2025
1.4K
Proteomics with Mass Spectrometry Imaging: Beyond Amyloid Typing
Francesca Lavatelli1, Giampaolo Merlini1
1Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Proteomics
|February 2, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new method using MALDI-MS imaging to detect amyloid deposits in tissues and identify their protein composition, preserving spatial distribution for better systemic amyloidoses management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Proteomics
- Histopathology
Background:
- Systemic amyloidoses require accurate detection and typing of amyloid deposits.
- Current methods include Congo red staining for detection and proteomics for protein identification.
- A need exists for methods that combine spatial information with proteomic identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel method for detecting and typing amyloid deposits in histology samples.
- To identify the protein composition of amyloid deposits while maintaining spatial distribution information.
- To improve the diagnostic capabilities for systemic amyloidoses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging.
- Integrated ion mobility separation for enhanced peptide analysis.
- Employed peptide filtering techniques for accurate identification.
- Applied the method to histology samples.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected amyloid deposits in histology samples.
- Identified the protein composition of the amyloid deposits.
- Preserved the spatial distribution of proteins within the tissue samples.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of the combined technique.
Conclusions:
- The novel MALDI-MS imaging method offers a powerful tool for amyloid detection and typing.
- This technique allows for simultaneous spatial and compositional analysis of amyloid deposits.
- It holds significant potential for advancing the diagnosis and management of systemic amyloidoses.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Mass Spectrometry: Overview
9.0K
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to determine the molecular mass and molecular formula of a compound. The basic principle of mass spectrometry is to generate ions from the analyte molecule and measure these ion abundances against their molecular mass. One common type of ionization, known as electron ionization or EI, bombards the analyte molecules in the gas phase with high-energy electron beams. The electron beams displace an electron from the molecule and leave behind a...
9.0K
01:21Tandem Mass Spectrometry
2.6K
Tandem mass spectrometry is a technique that uses multiple mass analyzers in series to obtain a higher selectivity and reduce chemical noise during analyte detection. Instruments with multiple analyzers separated by an interaction cell enable secondary fragmentation and selected study of the fragment ions.Secondary fragmentations occur in the interaction cell and can be induced by various factors. Fragmentation induced by collision with inert gases, such as N2, Ar, He, etc., is called...
2.6K
01:15Mass Spectrometry of Amines
5.4K
In mass spectroscopy, amines undergo fragmentation to give parent ions with odd molecule weights. This observed mass spectrum follows the nitrogen rule; a molecule with an odd number of nitrogen atoms produces a molecular ion with an odd molecular weight. Amines undergo fragmentation through α cleavage, producing nitrogen-containing cations—iminium ions—and alkyl radicals. Mass spectra of aromatic and cyclic aliphatic amines exhibit strong molecular ion peaks, but acyclic...
5.4K
01:13Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect
4.4K
Most elements exist in nature as a mixture of isotopes. The isotopes differ in weight due to their respective number of neutrons. The molecular weight of a molecule is different depending on the specific isotope of its elements involved. As a result, the mass spectrum of the molecule exhibits peaks from the same fragment at multiple positions. The positions of these mass signals depend on the mass differences between isotopes. Furthermore, the intensity of these signals is dependent on the...
4.4K
03:03Amyloid Fibrils
12.1K
Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins. Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils.
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
12.1K
01:21Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry
1.6K
The molecular ion peak of a molecule in the mass spectrum provides vital information for molecular identification. However, conventional electron impact ionization can lead to the rapid dissociation of some molecular ions before they reach the detector. A milder ionization method is required to increase the lifetime of such ionized analyte molecules. Chemical ionization (CI) is a gas-phase protonation reaction useful for mass-analyzing analyte molecules that are easily protonated to yield the...
1.6K