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Imaging and spatially resolved mass spectrometry applications in nephrology
Brittney L Gorman1, Catelynn C Shafer2, Nagarjunachary Ragi3
1Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
Nature Reviews. Nephrology
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Spatially resolved mass spectrometry (MS) and MS imaging offer powerful, label-free analysis of kidney biomolecules. These techniques are advancing nephrology by revealing molecular insights into kidney health and disease across various biological scales.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology and Systems Biology
- Biomolecular Analysis
- Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Background:
- Spatially resolved mass spectrometry (MS) and MS imaging are increasingly used in kidney research.
- These methods allow label-free, multiplexed detection of diverse biomolecules (metabolites, drugs, proteins).
- Kidney complexity requires multi-scale analysis from biofluids to subcellular compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing application of MS and MS imaging in kidney research.
- To emphasize the potential of these techniques for understanding kidney health and disease.
- To discuss the evolving methodologies and future directions in the field.
Main Methods:
- Spatially resolved mass spectrometry (MS)
- Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)
- Multi-omics approaches across various spatial scales (biofluids, tissues, cells).
Main Results:
- MS and MS imaging provide new molecular insights into kidney function and pathology.
- These techniques enable analysis across multiple omics domains and spatial resolutions.
- Advancements in sample preparation and data analysis are enhancing capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Spatially resolved MS and MS imaging are crucial for systems biology of the kidney.
- These methods fill an omics gap, offering functional outputs beyond genomics and transcriptomics.
- Future integration with AI and multimodal approaches promises significant advancements in nephrology.
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