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Updated: May 17, 2026
Visualization of Metabolites Identified in the Spatial Metabolome of Traditional Chinese Medicine Using DESI-MSI
Published on: December 16, 2022
MALDI-MSI-based spatial metabolomics reveals tissue-specific metabolic signatures across three Torreya grandis
Han Tao1, Miaomiao Chen2, Yihang Huang2
1State Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Provincial Key Laboratory for Non-wood Forest and Quality Control and Utilization of Its Products, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
Abstract:
Torreya grandis (T. grandis), an economically important nut crop in southern China, is valued for its rich nutrients and bioactive compounds, yet its in situ metabolite distribution remains poorly characterized. This study establishes in situ metabolic atlas of T. grandis fruits and reveals three key advances. A total of 253 MS/MS-validated metabolites were identified by MALDI-MSI, including amino acids and derivatives, lipids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. T. grandis 'Xifei' showed highest metabolite abundance, while 'Zaoyuanfei' was lipid-rich. Conserved metabolites shared similar locations, but distinct metabolites exhibited cultivar-specific patterns. Most lipids accumulate at the center of the resin canals, alkaloids form a peripheral sheath, and flavonoids are enriched in the aril and outer kernel, constituting a lipid-alkaloid defense module. Segmentation analysis revealed cultivar-specific peptide (Arg-Ile-Val-Leu-Val) localization, suggesting a potential identification marker. These findings provide a spatially resolved foundation for cultivar authentication, byproduct valorization of discarded tissues, and targeted utilization of bioactive compounds.
