Name: dithranol as a matrix for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging on a fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer
Uploaded: 2013-11-26T19:45:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Dithranol as a Matrix for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer at JoVE.com

The authors would like to acknowledge Genome Canada and Genome British Columbia for platform funding, and support. We also thank Dr. Carol E. Parker for critical review of the manuscript and editing assistance. CHL also thanks the British Columbia Proteomics Network for support.

1. Tissue Sectioning
<ol>
	<li>Flash-freeze the issue specimens, once harvested, using liquid nitrogen, ship them on dry ice (if shipping is required), and store them at -80 &#176;C until tissue sectioning. (If commercial samples are used, ensure that the samples are prepared in this manner.)</li>
	<li>Cut organs to a manageable size to fit the MALDI target. Trim off any unwanted parts of the organ. For this study described here, bovine calf lenses were decapsulated using a previously-described procedure35 b...

The most important considerations for successful MALDI MSI are: 1) tissue preparation; 2) matrix choice; 3) matrix application; and 4) data interpretation and analysis. When the sample and the matrix are appropriately prepared, the MS data acquisition is automated. The data analysis from this type of experiment is quite labor-intensive.
Appropriate tissue preparation is crucial for successful MALDI MSI experiments. The source of the tissue and the handling can have a large impact on the final ...

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an analytical technique for determining the spatial localization and distribution patterns of compounds on the surface of a tissue section1,2. Matrix assisted laser&#160;desorption/ionization (MALDI) MSI for the analysis of peptides and proteins has been used for over a decade and there have been great improvements in methods for sample preparation, detection sensitivity, spatial resolution, reproducibility and data processing3,4. By combining information from histologically stained sections and MSI experiments, pathologists are able to correlate the distributions of specific compounds with pathophysiologically interesting features5.
The distribution patterns of small molecules, including exogenous drugs6,7 and their metabolites8-10 have also been interrogated by MALDI-MS tissue imaging11. Lipids are perhaps the most widely-studied class of compounds with MALDI imaging, both in the MS12-17 and MS/MS18 modes. The use of MALDI MSI for small molecule imaging has been limited by several factors: 1) MALDI matrices are themselves small molecules (typically m/z &#60;500), which generate abundant ion signals. These abundant signals can suppress the ionization of small-molecule analytes and interfere with their detection19,20. Solvent-free matrix coating21, matrix sublimation22, and matrix precoated MALDI MS23, among others, have been developed to improve MSI of small molecules.
New matrices that can improve the analysis of low-MW compounds are of great interest in small-molecule MSI. These matrices should provide increased analyte signals with decreased matrix signals. In the positive-ion mode, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and &#945;-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) are the two commonly used MALDI MS matrices for MSI24. The ideal matrix would form small crystals, so as to preserve the spatial localization of the analytes. DHB tends to form larger crystals, therefore applying the matrix using sublimation has been developed to partially overcome this problem, and has allowed the use of this matrix for sensitive imaging of phospholipids22,25. 9-Aminoacridine has been used for MSI of protic analytes in the positive-ion mode26 and for nucleotides and phospholipids in the negative-ion mode26-29. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole has been found to give efficient MALDI detection of lipids30, and has been used for the imaging of mouse&#160;brain gangliosides31. The ultrahigh resolution of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometers can somewhat alleviate this problem by resolving analyte signals from matrix signals32. Another advantage of the use of FTICR-MS is that the intensities of the metastable matrix clusters are reduced33, which also reduces these interferences27.
The use of dithranol (DT; 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-one) as a MALDI matrix for tissue imaging has previously been reported34. In this current work, a detailed protocol is provided for the use of DT for the MSI of endogenous lipids on the surfaces of bovine lens tissue sections, in the positive-ion mode.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of Reagent/Material</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rat Liver</td>
			<td>Pel-Freez Biologicals</td>
			<td>56023-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine Calf Lens</td>
			<td>Pel-Freez Biologicals</td>
			<td>57114-2</td>
			<td>Sample should be decapsulated29 before use</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dithranol (DT)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>10608</td>
			<td>MALDI Matrix</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#945;-Cyano-4-hydroxy-cinnamic Acid (CHCA)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>70990</td>
			<td>MALDI Matrix</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (DHB)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>85707</td>
			<td>MALDI Matrix</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reserpine</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>83580</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Terfenadine</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>T9652</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formic Acid</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>14265</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium Formate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>14266</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium Hydroxide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>320145</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>302031</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Water</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>39253</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methanol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34860</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34967</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl Acetate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34972</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isopropanol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34965</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chloroform</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>366927</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetone</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34850</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>Commercial Alcohols</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>95%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ES Tuning Mix</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>G2431A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ITO Coated Glass Slides</td>
			<td>Hudson Surface Technology</td>
			<td>PSI1207000</td>
			<td>Ensure that samples are placed on the electrically conductive side</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wite-Out Shake-N-Squeeze Correction Pen</td>
			<td>Bic</td>
			<td>WOSQP11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Airbrush Sprayer</td>
			<td>Iwata</td>
			<td>Eclipse HP-CS</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ImagePrep</td>
			<td>Bruker</td>
			<td>249500-LS</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MALDI adapter</td>
			<td>Bruker</td>
			<td>235380</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

dithranol as a matrix for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging on a fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) determines the spatial localization and distribution patterns of compounds on the surface of a tissue section, mainly using MALDI (matrix&#160;assisted laser desorption/ionization)-based analytical techniques. New matrices for small-molecule MSI, which can improve the analysis of low-molecular weight (MW) compounds, are needed. These matrices should provide increased analyte signals while decreasing MALDI background signals. In addition, the use of ultrahigh-resolution instruments, such as Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometers, has&#160;the ability to resolve analyte signals from matrix signals, and this can partially overcome many problems associated with the background originating from the MALDI matrix. The reduction in the intensities of the metastable matrix clusters by FTICR MS can also help to overcome some of the interferences associated with matrix peaks on other instruments. High-resolution instruments such as the FTICR mass spectrometers are advantageous as they can produce distribution patterns of many compounds simultaneously while still providing confidence in chemical identifications. Dithranol (DT; 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-one) has previously been reported as a MALDI matrix for tissue imaging. In this work, a protocol for the use of DT for MALDI imaging of endogenous lipids from the surfaces of mammalian tissue sections, by positive-ion MALDI-MS, on an ultrahigh-resolution hybrid quadrupole FTICR instrument has been provided.

Tissue samples that are sectioned and thaw mounted onto the ITO coated glass slides should be intact, without visible tearing. For many tissues, direct tissue thaw mounting onto an ITO coated glass slide is acceptable. For some specific tissues such as bovine lens, extensive tearing of the tissue is often seen when direct thaw mounting is used (Figure 1a). Precoating of the ITO glass slide with ethanol or formic acid (Figure 1b) helps to maintain the integrity of the tissue sections duri...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Dithranol as a Matrix for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer at JoVE.com

Dithranol as a Matrix for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer

Dithranol (DT; 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-one) has previously been reported as a MALDI matrix for tissue imaging of small molecules; protocols for the use of DT for the MALDI imaging of endogenous lipids on the surface of tissue sections&#160;by positive-ion MALDI-MS on an ultrahigh-resolution quadrupole-FTICR instrument are provided here.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) determines the spatial localization and distribution patterns of compounds on the surface of a tissue section, mainly ...

dithranol-as-matrix-for-matrix-assisted-laser-desorptionionization

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

MALDI Sample Preparation: the Ultra Thin Layer Method

This video demonstrates the preparation of an ultra-thin matrix/analyte layer for analyzing peptides and proteins by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) 1,2. The ultra-thin layer method involves the production of a substrate layer of matrix crystals (alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) on the sample plate, which serves as a seeding ground for subsequent crystallization of a matrix/analyte mixture. Advantages of the ultra-thin layer method over other sample deposition approaches (e.g. dried droplet) are that it provides (i) greater tolerance to impurities such as salts and detergents, (ii) better resolution, and (iii) higher spatial uniformity. This method is especially useful for the accurate mass determination of proteins. The protocol was initially developed and optimized for the analysis of membrane proteins and used to successfully analyze ion channels, metabolite transporters, and receptors, containing between 2 and 12 transmembrane domains 2. Since the original publication, it has also shown to be equally useful for the analysis of soluble proteins. Indeed, we have used it for a large number of proteins having a wide range of properties, including those with molecular masses as high as 380 kDa 3. It is currently our method of choice for the molecular mass analysis of all proteins. The described procedure consistently produces high-quality spectra, and it is sensitive, robust, and easy to implement.

This video demonstrates the preparation of an ultra-thin matrix/analyte layer for analyzing peptides and proteins by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS).

This video demonstrates the preparation of an ultra-thin matrix/analyte layer for analyzing peptides and proteins by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption ...

Quantifying Mixing using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Mixing is a unit operation that combines two or more components into a homogeneous mixture. This work involves mixing two viscous liquid streams using an in-line static mixer. The mixer is a split-and-recombine design that employs shear and extensional flow to increase the interfacial contact between the components. A prototype split-and-recombine (SAR) mixer was constructed by aligning a series of thin laser-cut Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plates held in place in a PVC pipe. Mixing in this device is illustrated in the photograph in Fig. 1. Red dye was added to a portion of the test fluid and used as the minor component being mixed into the major (undyed) component. At the inlet of the mixer, the injected layer of tracer fluid is split into two layers as it flows through the mixing section. On each subsequent mixing section, the number of horizontal layers is duplicated. Ultimately, the single stream of dye is uniformly dispersed throughout the cross section of the device.
 Using a non-Newtonian test fluid of 0.2% Carbopol and a doped tracer fluid of similar composition, mixing in the unit is visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a very powerful experimental probe of molecular chemical and physical environment as well as sample structure on the length scales from microns to centimeters. This sensitivity has resulted in broad application of these techniques to characterize physical, chemical and/or biological properties of materials ranging from humans to foods to porous media 1, 2. The equipment and conditions used here are suitable for imaging liquids containing substantial amounts of NMR mobile 1H such as ordinary water and organic liquids including oils. Traditionally MRI has utilized super conducting magnets which are not suitable for industrial environments and not portable within a laboratory (Fig. 2). Recent advances in magnet technology have permitted the construction of large volume industrially compatible magnets suitable for imaging process flows. Here, MRI provides spatially resolved component concentrations at different axial locations during the mixing process. This work documents real-time mixing of highly viscous fluids via distributive mixing with an application to personal care products.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a powerful tool to evaluate the effectiveness of process equipment during operation. We discuss the use of MRI to visualize mixing in a static mixer. The application is relevant to personal care products, but can be applied to a broad range of food, chemical, biomass and biological fluids.

Mixing is a unit operation that combines two or more components into a homogeneous mixture.  This work involves mixing two viscous liquid streams using an ...

Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts

Cellular invasion into local tissues is a process important in development and homeostasis. Malregulated invasion and subsequent cell movement is characteristic of multiple pathological processes, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease and tumor cell metastasis1. Focalized proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the epithelial or endothelial basement membrane is a critical step in initiating cellular invasion. In tumor cells, extensive in vitro analysis has determined that ECM degradation is accomplished by ventral actin-rich membrane protrusive structures termed invadopodia2,3. Invadopodia form in close apposition to the ECM, where they moderate ECM breakdown through the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The ability of tumor cells to form invadopodia directly correlates with the ability to invade into local stroma and associated vascular components3. 
Visualization of invadopodia-mediated ECM degradation of cells by fluorescent microscopy using dye-labeled matrix proteins coated onto glass coverslips has emerged as the most prevalent technique for evaluating the degree of matrix proteolysis and cellular invasive potential4,5. Here we describe a version of the standard method for generating fluorescently-labeled glass coverslips utilizing a commercially available Oregon Green-488 gelatin conjugate. This method is easily scaled to rapidly produce large numbers of coated coverslips. We show some of the common microscopic artifacts that are often encountered during this procedure and how these can be avoided. Finally, we describe standardized methods using readily available computer software to allow quantification of labeled gelatin matrix degradation mediated by individual cells and by entire cellular populations. The described procedures provide the ability to accurately and reproducibly monitor invadopodia activity, and can also serve as a platform for evaluating the efficacy of modulating protein expression or testing of anti-invasive compounds on extracellular matrix degradation in single and multicellular settings.

We describe the prototypical method for producing microscope coverslips coated with fluorescent gelatin for visualizing invadopodia-mediated matrix degradation. Computational techniques using available software are presented for quantifying the resultant levels of matrix proteolysis by single cells within a mixed population and for multicellular groups encompassing entire microscopic fields.

Cellular invasion into local tissues is a process important in development and homeostasis.  Malregulated invasion and subsequent cell movement is ...

Improving the Success Rate of Protein Crystallization by Random Microseed Matrix Screening

Random microseed matrix screening (rMMS) is a protein crystallization technique in which seed crystals are added to random screens. By increasing the likelihood that crystals will grow in the metastable zone of a protein's phase diagram, extra crystallization leads are often obtained, the quality of crystals produced may be increased, and a good supply of crystals for data collection and soaking experiments is provided. Here we describe a general method for rMMS that may be applied to either sitting drop or hanging drop vapor diffusion experiments, established either by hand or using liquid handling robotics, in 96-well or 24-well tray format.

Here we describe a general method for random microseed matrix screening. This technique is shown to significantly increase the success rate of protein crystallization screening experiments, reduce the need for optimization, and provide a reliable supply of crystals for data collection and ligand-soaking experiments.

Random microseed matrix screening  (rMMS) is a protein crystallization technique in which seed crystals are added  to random screens. By increasing the ...

Enrichment of Extracellular Matrix Proteins from Tissues and Digestion into Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex meshwork of cross-linked proteins that provides biophysical and biochemical cues that are major regulators of cell proliferation, survival, migration, etc. The ECM plays important roles in development and in diverse pathologies including cardio-vascular and musculo-skeletal diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. Thus, characterizing the composition of ECMs of normal and diseased tissues could lead to the identification of novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and potential novel therapeutic targets. However, the very nature of ECM proteins (large in size, cross-linked and covalently bound, heavily glycosylated) has rendered biochemical analyses of ECMs challenging. To overcome this challenge, we developed a method to enrich ECMs from fresh or frozen tissues and tumors that takes advantage of the insolubility of ECM proteins. We describe here in detail the decellularization procedure that consists of sequential incubations in buffers of different pH and salt and detergent concentrations and that results in 1) the extraction of intracellular (cytosolic, nuclear, membrane and cytoskeletal) proteins and 2) the enrichment of ECM proteins. We then describe how to deglycosylate and digest ECM-enriched protein preparations into peptides for subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry.

This protocol describes a procedure for enriching ECM proteins from tissues or tumors and deglycosylating and digesting the ECM-enriched preparations into peptides to analyze their protein composition by mass spectrometry.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex meshwork of cross-linked proteins that provides biophysical and biochemical cues that are major regulators of ...

Laser-assisted Microdissection (LAM) as a Tool for Transcriptional Profiling of Individual Cell Types

The understanding of developmental processes at the molecular level requires insights into transcriptional regulation, and thus the transcriptome, at the level of individual cell types. While the methods described here are generally applicable to a wide range of species and cell types, our research focuses on plant reproduction. Plant cultivation and seed production is of crucial importance for human and animal nutrition. A detailed understanding of the regulatory networks that govern the formation of the reproductive lineage (germline) and ultimately of seeds is a precondition for the targeted manipulation of plant reproduction. In particular, the engineering of apomixis (asexual reproduction through seeds) into crop plants promises great improvements, as it leads to the formation of clonal seeds that are genetically identical to the mother plant. Consequently, the cell types of the female germline are of major importance for the understanding and engineering of apomixis. However, as the corresponding cells are deeply embedded within the floral tissues, they are very difficult to access for experimental analyses, including cell-type specific transcriptomics. To overcome this limitation, sections of individual cells can be isolated by laser-assisted microdissection (LAM). While LAM in combination with transcriptional profiling allows the identification of genes and pathways active in any cell type with high specificity, establishing a suitable protocol can be challenging. Specifically, the quality of RNA obtained after LAM can be compromised, especially when small, single cells are targeted. To circumvent this problem, we have established a workflow for LAM that reproducibly results in high RNA quality that is well suitable for transcriptomics, as exemplified here by the isolation of cells of the female germline in apomictic Boechera. In this protocol, procedures are described for tissue preparation and LAM, also with regard to RNA extraction and quality control.

Laser-assisted Microdissection LAM as a Tool for Transcriptional Profiling of Individual Cell Types

Here we present a protocol for laser-assisted microdissection of specific plant cell types for transcriptional profiling. While the protocol is suitable for different species and cell types, the focus is on highly inaccessible cells of the female germline important for sexual and apomictic reproduction in the crucifer genus Boechera.

The understanding of developmental processes at the molecular level requires insights into transcriptional regulation, and thus the transcriptome, at the ...

Implementation of a Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) System on a Ti:Sapphire and OPO Laser Based Standard Laser Scanning Microscope

Laser scanning microscopes combining a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) to duplicate the laser line have become available for biologists. These systems are primarily designed for multi-channel two-photon fluorescence microscopy. However, without any modification, complementary non-linear optical microscopy such as second-harmonic generation (SHG) or third harmonic generation (THG) can also be performed with this set-up, allowing label-free imaging of structured molecules or aqueous medium-lipid interfaces. These techniques are well suited for in-vivo observation, but are limited in chemical specificity. Chemically selective imaging can be obtained from inherent vibration signals based on Raman scattering. Confocal Raman microscopy provides 3D spatial resolution, but it requires high average power and long acquisition time. To overcome these difficulties, recent advances in laser technology have permitted the development of nonlinear optical vibrational microscopy, in particular coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). CARS microscopy has therefore emerged as a powerful tool for biological and live cell imaging, by chemically mapping lipids (via C-H stretch vibration), water (via O-H stretch vibrations), proteins or DNA. In this work, we describe the implementation of the CARS technique on a standard OPO-coupled multiphoton laser scanning microscope. It is based on the in-time synchronization of the two laser lines by adjusting the length of one of the laser beam path. We present a step-by-step implementation of this technique on an existing multiphoton system. A basic background in experimental optics is helpful and the presented system does not require expensive supplementary equipment. We also illustrate CARS imaging obtained on myelin sheaths of sciatic nerve of rodent, and we show that this imaging can be performed simultaneously with other nonlinear optical imaging, such as standard two-photon fluorescence technique and second-harmonic generation.

Implementation of a Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering CARS System on a Ti:Sapphire and OPO Laser Based Standard Laser Scanning Microscope

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy based on inherent vibration of molecule bonds permits label-free chemically selective live cell imaging. This work presents the implementation of a complementary microscopy technique on a standard multiphoton laser scanning microscope based on a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser and an OPO laser.

Laser scanning microscopes combining a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) to duplicate the laser line have become ...

MRM Microcoil Performance Calibration and Usage Demonstrated on Medicago truncatula Roots at 22 T

This protocol describes a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calibration and sample preparation method for solenoidal microcoils combined with biological samples, designed for high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also referred to as MR microscopy (MRM). It may be used at pre-clinical MRI spectrometers, demonstrated on Medicago truncatula root samples. Microcoils increase sensitivity by matching the size of the RF resonator to the size of the sample of interest, thereby enabling higher image resolutions in a given data acquisition time. Due to the relatively simple design, solenoidal microcoils are straightforward and cheap to construct and can be easily adapted to the sample requirements. Systematically, we explain how to calibrate new or home-built microcoils, using a reference solution. The calibration steps include: pulse power determination using a nutation curve; estimation of RF-field homogeneity; and calculating a volume-normalized signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) using standard pulse sequences. Important steps in sample preparation for small biological samples are discussed, as well as possible mitigating factors such as magnetic susceptibility differences. The applications of an optimized solenoid coil are demonstrated by high-resolution (13 x 13 x 13 &#956;m3, 2.2 pL) 3D imaging of a root sample.

MRM Microcoil Performance Calibration and Usage Demonstrated on Medicago truncatula Roots at 22 T

A protocol to study biological tissue at high spatial resolution using ultra-high field magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) using microcoils is presented. Step-by-step instructions are provided for characterizing the microcoils. Finally, optimization of imaging is demonstrated on plant roots.

This protocol describes a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calibration and sample preparation method for solenoidal microcoils combined with biological ...

Cryogenic Sample Loading into a Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer that Preserves Cellular Viability

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can dramatically increase the sensitivity of magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These sensitivity gains increase as temperatures decrease and are large enough to enable the study of molecules at very low concentrations at the operating temperatures (~100 K) of most commercial DNP-equipped NMR spectrometers. This leads to the possibility of in-cell structural biology on cryopreserved cells for macromolecules at their endogenous levels in their native environments. However, the freezing rates required for cellular cryopreservation are exceeded during typical sample handling for DNP MAS NMR and this results in loss of cellular integrity and viability. This article describes a detailed protocol for the preparation and cryogenic transfer of a frozen sample of mammalian cells into a MAS NMR spectrometer.

Presented here is a protocol for cryogenic transfer of frozen samples into the dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe. The protocol includes directions for rotor storage prior to the experiment and directions for viability measurements before and after the experiment.

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can dramatically increase the sensitivity of magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. ...

Sample Preparation for Rapid Lipid Analysis in Drosophila Brain Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Lipid profiling, or lipidomics, is a well-established technique used to study the entire lipid content of a cell or tissue. Information acquired from&#160;lipidomics is valuable in studying the pathways involved in development, disease, and cellular metabolism. Many tools and instrumentations have aided lipidomics projects, most notably various combinations of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography techniques. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) has recently emerged as a powerful imaging technique that complements conventional approaches. This novel technique provides unique information on the spatial distribution of lipids within tissue compartments, which was previously unattainable without the use of excessive modifications. The sample preparation of the MALDI MSI approach is critical and, therefore, is the focus of this paper. This paper presents a rapid lipid analysis of a large number of Drosophila brains embedded in optimal cutting temperature compound (OCT) to provide a detailed protocol for the preparation of small tissues for lipid analysis or metabolite and small molecule analysis through MALDI MSI.

Sample Preparation for Rapid Lipid Analysis in Drosophila Brain Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging

The aim of this protocol is to provide detailed guidance on the proper sample preparation for lipid and metabolite analysis in small tissues, such as the Drosophila brain, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging.