2A-O1-1040 PDF
Proteomic imaging of brain and spinal cord for the studies of neurological diseases
Proteomics analyses have been contributed the discovery of novel biomarkers for the early recognition and prognostic stratification of human diseases. Through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics, we have discriminated multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica1), or Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy2). The next step should be an understanding how CSF proteome may be correlated with brain and spinal cord pathology. For these questions, we have utilized imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). Targeting brains and spinal cords by IMS will cover spatial and temporal proteomic arrangements without the need for target-specific reagents, allowing the discovery of novel and diagnostic markers of neurological diseases. We utilize Microminipig, the smallest pig in the world as a non-rodents model. Pig genome is closer to primates than rodents and its size is large enough to obtain good spatial resolution. As a result, proteomic composition in the butterfly-shaped posterior column of the spinal cord differs considerably from that in other regions according to statistical criteria. Some of the peptides or proteins are very specifically localized to white matter, gray matter, central canal, and dorsal root ganglion, respectively. Some of the proteins detected in this study were marker protein of central canal ependymal zone of the spinal cord. In conclusion, IMS study targeting pig brain and spinal cord is a foundation for the studies of human normal and pathological conditions.