Automated mass spectrometry imaging with a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight instrument.

The automated use of a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometer (MS) is described for image analysis of samples through implementation of new software for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis. The software permits automated acquisition of MS MALDI spectra to form an ordered data array and contains display features to provide images at one or more mass-to-charge ratio values. The technique can be used to scan tissue samples, blotted samples, gels, or other sample surfaces where the image analysis of that sample is required. The program achieves a time of typically 1 s per image point, permitting an analysis made up of large numbers of points with high spatial resolution up to 850 dpi. The features of the software are demonstrated in this paper with samples of printed images, where visible images can be compared to those obtained by mass spectrometry. Quantitative aspects are introduced by analyzing a series of sample spots containing different amounts of several proteins.

Determination of protein-protein interactions by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

A number of different procedures have been developed for use with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) for the analysis of non-covalent protein-protein complexes. These include use of specific matrix and laser combinations, accumulation of "first shot" spectra, modification of pH and solvent conditions during sample preparation and use of cross-linking agents to attach the monomers covalently to each other in the complex. The results have shown the techniques to be effective with some but not all complexes, although cross-linking is the most successful. The physical and chemical nature of the complex is critical and therefore a diversity of approaches is recommended for such studies.

Molecular imaging of biological samples: localization of peptides and proteins using MALDI-TOF MS.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) has been used to generate ion images of samples in one or more mass-to-charge (m/z) values, providing the capability of mapping specific molecules to two-dimensional coordinates of the original sample. The high sensitivity of the technique (low-femtomole to attomole levels for proteins and peptides) allows the study of organized biochemical processes occurring in, for example, mammalian tissue sections. The mass spectrometer is used to determine the molecular weights of the molecular in the surface layers of the tissue. Molecules desorbed from the sample typically are singly protonated, giving an ion at (M + H)+, where M is the molecular mass. The procedure involves coating the tissue section, or a blotted imprint of the section, with a thin layer of energy-absorbing matrix and then analyzing the sample to produce an ordered array of mass spectra, each containing nominal m/z values typically covering a range of over 50,000 Da. Images can be displayed in individual m/z values as a selected ion image, which would localize individual compounds in the tissue, or as summed ion images. MALDI ion images of tissue sections can be obtained directly from tissue slices following preparative steps, and this is demonstrated for the mapping of insulin contained in an islet in a section of rat pancreas, hormone peptides in a small area of a section of rat pituitary, and a small protein bound to the membrane of human mucosa cells. Alternatively, imprints of the tissue can be analyzed by blotting the tissue sections on specially prepared targets containing an adsorbent material, e.g., C-18 coated resin beads. Peptides and small proteins bind to the C-18 and create a positive imprint of the tissue which can then be imaged by the mass spectrometer. This is demonstrated for the MALDI ion image analysis of regions of rat splenic pancreas and for an area of rat pituitary traversing the anterior, intermediate, and posterior regions where localized peptides were mapped. In a single spectrum from the anterior/intermediate lobe of a rat pituitary print, over 50 ions corresponding to the peptides present in this tissue were observed as well as precursors, isoforms, and metabolic fragments.

Assessing the multimeric states of proteins: studies using laser desorption mass spectrometry.

We have developed a technique which utilizes matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry to study the subunit association of proteins. Aqueous protein samples are treated with a dilute solution of glutaraldehyde, a cross-linking agent which reacts with free amino groups on proteins. This agent effectively traps the multimeric form, preventing it from dissociating in the sample preparation and desorption process. Proteins measured include lysozyme, carbonic anhydrase, apomyoglobin, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, ovine lutropin, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase, avidin and pyruvate kinase. Dimeric and tetrameric complexes up to 250,000 Da have been measured in this manner.