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  3. In situ imaging study of targeted iron and metabolically related molecules in tumors and brain tissues using MALDI-MS imaging

In situ imaging study of targeted iron and metabolically related molecules in tumors and brain tissues using MALDI-MS imaging

  • Talanta. 2025 May 15:295:128302. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128302.
Kang Han 1,  Xintong Shi 2,  Heng Zhang 3,  Xiaofang Jin 4,  Qiaoya Zhao 4,  Xingyao Li 4,  Tong Zhang 4,  Yajing Xie 4,  Li Duan 5,  Yan-Zhong Chang 6
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Analysis and Testing Centre, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China. Electronic address: hankang@hebtu.edu.cn.
  • 2 College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China.
  • 3 Analysis and Testing Centre, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China.
  • 4 Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China.
  • 5 College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China. Electronic address: ddduanlee@163.com.
  • 6 Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 050024, China. Electronic address: chang7676@163.com.
PMID: 40381418 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128302
Abstract

Iron is one of the essential trace elements required for maintaining life, and it participates in several physiological activities. Comprehensive direct targeting of iron in tissue slices will be more conducive to exploring the physiological processes of iron metabolism disorders. In this study, we introduce a novel matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) methodology designed to map iron distribution comprehensively across tumor tissues and specific brain regions. We selected the reactive matrix based on iron Chelating Agents to promote the covalent charge labeling of oxygen and iron, which solved the problem of the low detection limit of metal elements when using MSI. Our research expands beyond iron mapping to include the simultaneous detection of molecules associated with energy metabolism in tumor tissues, lipid molecules related to myelin in demyelination models, and both neurotransmitter and lipid molecules in Parkinson's disease (PD) models. This multifaceted approach has unveiled the potential roles of iron in tumor progression and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, providing novel insights into its functions during pathological processes.

Keywords

Iron chelators; Iron mapping; Iron metabolism; MALDI-MSI.

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