Thai Anthony, Lockwood Thomas E, Kohilas Ioannis, Bergin Rosemary J, McDonagh Andrew M, Bishop David P
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.
Nat Rev Chem. 2025 Aug 20. doi: 10.1038/s41570-025-00749-9.
In situ imaging of proteins, RNA, immune cells and other biomolecules is necessary to determine their function, interactions and roles in disease pathology. Increasingly, this is achieved via metal-conjugated probes in conjunction with elemental mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). This targeted technique is capable of simultaneously imaging up to 40 analytes, in comparison to the traditional bioimaging techniques that use fluorescent or chromogenic reagents that are typically restricted to less than four analytes without complex sample handling and analysis workflows. These analyses, however, are not straightforward, with a number of factors that require optimization. They require the use of probes specific to the target biomolecules, which are conjugated with analytes detectable by elemental MSI. Here, we summarize the MSI technology, the types of biological probes used for identification, and the forms of metal analytes used. We provide examples of their application including understanding cancer cell heterogeneity to direct clinical trials, which may impact clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine. We conclude with future perspectives on the potential of the technique and what is required to meet it.
对蛋白质、RNA、免疫细胞和其他生物分子进行原位成像，对于确定它们在疾病病理学中的功能、相互作用和作用至关重要。越来越多的情况是通过金属共轭探针结合元素质谱成像（MSI）来实现这一点。与传统的生物成像技术相比，这种靶向技术能够同时对多达40种分析物进行成像，传统生物成像技术使用荧光或显色试剂，通常在没有复杂的样品处理和分析工作流程的情况下，只能对少于四种分析物进行成像。然而，这些分析并非易事，有许多因素需要优化。它们需要使用针对目标生物分子的探针，这些探针与可通过元素MSI检测的分析物共轭。在这里，我们总结了MSI技术、用于识别的生物探针类型以及所使用的金属分析物形式。我们提供了它们的应用示例，包括了解癌细胞异质性以指导临床试验，这可能会影响临床诊断和个性化医疗。我们最后展望了该技术的潜力以及实现这一潜力所需的条件。
