Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry in lipidomics

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2011 Jul;401(1):29-51. doi: 10.1007/s00216-011-4696-x. Epub 2011 Feb 10.

Abstract

The relevant structural, energetics, and regulatory roles of lipids are universally acknowledged. However, the high variability of lipid species and the large differences in concentrations make unraveling the role played by the different species in metabolism a titanic task. A recently developed technique, known as imaging mass spectrometry, may shed some light on the field, as it enables precise information to be obtained on the location of lipids in tissues. A review of the state of the art of the technique is presented in this manuscript, including detailed analysis of sample-preparation steps, data handling, and the identification of the species mapped so far.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Computational Biology / methods
  • Computational Biology / trends
  • Humans
  • Lipids / analysis*
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / trends

Substances

  • Lipids