Andreadi Anna, Tsivelekidou Evgenia, Dermitzakis Iasonas, Theotokis Paschalis, Gargani Sofia, Meditskou Soultana, Manthou Maria Eleni
Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54621, Greece.
2nd Department of Neurology, University General Hospital AHEPA, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Open Life Sci. 2025 Jul 18;20(1):20251136. doi: 10.1515/biol-2025-1136. eCollection 2025.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a robust analytical technology that has become integral to biomolecular research. Since its introduction into microbiology in the early 2000s, its versatility has enabled a wide spectrum of applications extending from routine microbial identification to advanced proteomic profiling, antimicrobial resistance testing, biomarker discovery, and even historical disease investigation. In proteomics, MALDI-TOF MS has proven valuable for identifying disease-associated proteins, with applications in oncology, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and dyslipidemia, neurodegenerative diseases, hemoglobinopathies, and neonatal screening. Additionally, it has facilitated pharmacokinetic studies by enabling detailed analysis of drug distribution and metabolism. Despite limitations such as dependency on reference databases and challenges in distinguishing closely related species, ongoing advancements continue to enhance its accuracy and range. The integration of MALDI-TOF MS with molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction further strengthens its diagnostic utility. This review aims to present recent technological progress while highlighting the expanding interdisciplinary utility of MALDI-TOF MS. Emphasis is placed on emerging fields, including paleopathology, where its potential remains underexploited. By outlining its evolving capabilities, we propose a conceptual framework that positions MALDI-TOF MS as a unifying platform capable of driving innovation across diverse scientific and biomedical disciplines.
基质辅助激光解吸/电离飞行时间质谱（MALDI-TOF MS）是一种强大的分析技术，已成为生物分子研究不可或缺的一部分。自21世纪初引入微生物学以来，其多功能性使其能够广泛应用，从常规微生物鉴定到先进的蛋白质组分析、抗菌药物耐药性测试、生物标志物发现，甚至历史疾病调查。在蛋白质组学中，MALDI-TOF MS已被证明在识别疾病相关蛋白质方面具有价值，应用于肿瘤学、糖尿病和血脂异常等代谢紊乱、神经退行性疾病、血红蛋白病和新生儿筛查。此外，它通过对药物分布和代谢进行详细分析，促进了药代动力学研究。尽管存在对参考数据库的依赖以及区分密切相关物种的挑战等局限性，但不断的进步继续提高其准确性和范围。MALDI-TOF MS与聚合酶链反应等分子方法的整合进一步增强了其诊断效用。本综述旨在介绍最近的技术进展，同时突出MALDI-TOF MS不断扩大的跨学科效用。重点放在新兴领域，包括古病理学，其潜力尚未得到充分开发。通过概述其不断发展的能力，我们提出了一个概念框架，将MALDI-TOF MS定位为一个能够推动跨不同科学和生物医学学科创新的统一平台。
