Biomedical National Elemental Imaging Resource (BNEIR)

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Up to 60 chemical elements can be detected in the human body, about 25 of which are essential to life. Elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) are constituents of enzyme cofactors required for a wide range of processes from cell cycle regulation, reproduction, structural repair, and immunity. Dysregulation of these elements is a hallmark of disease. For instance, aluminum (Al), Fe, Cu and Zn accumulation in amyloid plaques in the brain are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dysregulation of Cu causes Menkes and Wilson’s disease. Chemical elements are also diagnostic tools and chemotherapeutics; gadolinium (Gd) is the most common magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, metal-base nanoparticles show promise for targeted drug delivery and platinum (Pt) and arsenic (As) compounds are used in cancer treatment. Invariably, knowing the spatial distribution of an element in an organ, tissue or cell is essential to fully investigate mechanisms of disease or the efficacy of drug delivery. Hence, elemental imaging at the micron scale is essential to further the NIGMS goal to support basic research that increases our understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Current analytical resources for biomedical elemental imaging are either over-subscribed (synchrotron X-ray fluorescence), cover only a limited range of elements, are performed under a vacuum or not readily scalable to imaging at the mm scale. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a laboratory-based elemental imaging (elemental imaging) technique that it is increasingly being applied to biomedical applications with comparable or lower detection limits than other elemental imaging techniques and, potentially, easier access and operability. To date there are no elemental imaging LA-ICP-MS user resources in the US. The Dartmouth Trace Element Analysis Core is an established and highly regarded shared resource that supports researchers throughout the US, is staffed by experienced researchers in elemental imaging and ICP-MS, uses state-of-the-art instrumentation and has excellent links to industry partners. Our aims are to expand upon our current ad hoc elemental imaging service to establish an elemental imaging user facility; the Biomedical National Elemental Imaging Resource (BNEIR), which will accelerate and simplify access for biomedical researchers to instrumentation, expertise, web-based and in-person training, after-visit support, software and will foster a dynamic community for elemental imaging users. We will actively promote the elemental imaging within the larger NIGMS community of scientists through webinars, seminars, attendance at national and international meetings and actively seeking out NIH researchers currently pursuing relevant research projects.