Structure Analysis of Gangliosides: Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful technique that is widely used for the mapping and molecular identification of biomolecules directly from the surface of biological samples. Among these biomolecules, gangliosides are complex glycosphingolipids primarily found in the nervous system. They play crucial roles in cell signaling and neurodevelopment and are responsible for many diseases. Label-free mapping and structural analysis of these gangliosides using MSI offer unique insights into their spatial distribution and concentration in healthy and diseased tissues. MSI techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) have been widely employed to study gangliosides. These MSI tools enable high-resolution visualization of specific ganglioside species, contributing to the understanding of their roles in human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, etc. Continuous improvements in sensitivity and resolution of MSI tools, continues to offer new insights into ganglioside biology, paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches in a wide range of diseases. Here, we have described the mapping and structural analysis of gangliosides using MSI.