Advances in imaging mass spectrometry

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Imaging mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging technology that allows to map in a single experiment hundreds of different compounds present within a tissue section. Numerous types of biocompounds including metabolites, phospholipids, peptides and proteins can be detected and imaged in direct correlation with the underlying histology. The molecular profiles and images are cells and tissue specific and some of their features can be directly correlated with the health status of a tissue specimen. Indeed, the technology is sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in molecular composition due to the presence of disease. Over the next five years, I propose to implement and further develop this mass spectrometry-based technology in the Department of Chemistry at l'Université de Montréal. Two main axis of research will be developed: 1) the development and optimization of protocols for the analysis of formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens by imaging MS; and 2) the analysis of specific subpopulations of the proteome from frozen tissue specimens by imaging MS using serial depletion strategies, and introducing protein enrichment surface chemistries. The sum of knowledge gained by these developments will allow us to query the proteomic content of tissues with a deeper level of sensitivity, while maintaining spatial organization. Together, these tools promise to promote new discoveries in biology and medicine.