Advances in Spatial Multi-Omics: A Review of Multi-Modal Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Laser Capture...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Mass spectrometry (MS) is crucial for biomolecule characterization (proteins, metabolites, lipids).
• Bulk MS analyses often miss critical low-abundance molecules.
• Multi-omics and spatial omics analyses are rapidly expanding biological insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mass spectrometry-based spatial omics, focusing on MALDI-MSI.
• To highlight how MALDI-MSI advances spatially resolved multi-omics research.
• To explore the integration of MALDI-MSI with LCM and LC-MS workflows.

Main Methods:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) for spatial analysis.
• Laser capture microdissection (LCM) for targeted sample isolation.
• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for detailed molecular profiling.

Main Results:

• MALDI-MSI enables analysis of biomolecules within their native spatial contexts.
• Integration of techniques provides spatially resolved multi-omic data.
• This approach enhances understanding of molecular interactions in biological systems.

Conclusions:

• Spatial omics, particularly MALDI-MSI, offers transformative insights into biological systems.
• Combining MALDI-MSI with LCM and LC-MS advances spatially resolved multi-omics.
• This methodology is key to discovering the roles of low-abundance molecules.