Rhein:a novel matrix for profiling and imaging of endogenous metabolites by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry / 中国药科大学学报

@#MALDI-MS is an emerging technique that enables rapid profiling of endogenous substances in a high throughput. Nevertheless, its application to metabolite analysis is often hindered by the presence of massive matrix background peaks using conventional matrices. Herein rhein was introduced as a novel matrix for MALDI-MS analysis of cation metabolites. Several strong and weak basic metabolites were measured using rhein. Compared to the previously reported ionless matrix NSA and conventional matrix CHCA, clean MALDI-MS spectra were obtained devoid of matrix signals. Subsequently, we applied this matrix to profile a biologically complex sample, mice intestinal contents. In addition, we have validated the applicability of rhein to MALDI-MS imaging, which allows for simultaneous mapping of hundreds of metabolites from single mouse ileum section. In summary, the discovery of rhein as a novel MALDI matrix enables efficient and reliable profiling and imaging of endogenous metabolites from biological samples with no matrix interferences, which will greatly promote the utility of MALDI-MS-based platform for metabolome studies.

Mass spectrometry-based protein quantification and its application in pharmacokinetic research / 中国药科大学学报

@#Quantitative proteomics is a mass spectrometry-based toolkit used to analyze and quantify entire proteins contained in whole cells, tissues or organisms. It has become an increasingly important element in exploring the mechanism of various biological processes such as discovering novel biomarkers and unknown drug targets. Emerging advances in biological mass spectrometry instrumentation and data acquisition methodologies have provided a state-of-the-art platform for protein quantification, prompting the research of proteomics evolving from the simple qualitative to the accurate quantitative approach. This review aims to introduce the most recent advancements in mass spectrometry instrumentation and methodologies of data acquisition, focusing on their characteristics and applying fields. It also highlights several significant applications of biological mass spectrometry in pharmaceutical research such as quantifitation of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes, and pharmacokinetic study of therapeutic peptides and proteins.