High-resolution magic angle spinning NMR for intact biological specimen analysis: Initial discovery, recent...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• High-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR, a technique for analyzing intact biological samples, was developed over 25 years ago.
• Numerous technical advancements have refined HRMAS NMR, broadening its applications in biomedicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of HRMAS NMR's discovery and key scientific advancements.
• To review recent developments and applications of HRMAS NMR in the last five years, particularly in healthcare.
• To explore future biomedical research avenues for HRMAS NMR.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of scientific literature and technical developments in HRMAS NMR.
• Analysis of recent HRMAS NMR metabolomics studies in human diseases (cancers, brain diseases, metabolic diseases, transplantation, adiposity).
• Examination of HRMAS NMR applications in plant, food, and cell biology research, including longitudinal studies.

Main Results:

• HRMAS NMR metabolomics has shown significant utility in understanding metabolic characteristics of breast and prostate cancers.
• Studies integrating HRMAS NMR with other modalities and investigating mechanistic aspects provide deeper insights into disease.
• Applications extend to plant, food, and cell biology, demonstrating the technique's versatility.

Conclusions:

• HRMAS NMR is a valuable tool for disease diagnosis, treatment timing, and prognostication.
• Recent advancements have enhanced its impact on healthcare and other scientific fields.
• Future research leveraging HRMAS NMR holds promise for significant biomedical discoveries.