2A-AW-1710 PDF
質量分析による代謝物イメージングの研究
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) enables the visualization of the distribution of a range of biomolecules that have varied structures in the cells and tissue sections. This emerging imaging technique was initially developed as a tool for protein imaging, but recently it is increasingly being used for the imaging of small organic molecules. IMS is an effective technique for the imaging of small metabolites, including endogenous metabolites and exogenous drugs because of the following advantages: First, IMS does not require any specific labels or probes. Second, IMS is a non-targeted imaging method. Finally, the simultaneous imaging of many types of metabolite molecules is possible, and all these features are necessary for the assessment of cellular metabolic activity. In this talk, I will discuss the capability of current IMS techniques for imaging small molecules as well as the limitations and problems of the technique. Recent challenge towards visualization of metabolic-flux in tissues will be also discussed.