Name: untargeted metabolomics from biological sources using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (uplc-hrms)
Uploaded: 2013-05-20T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry UPLC-HRMS at JoVE.com

We acknowledge support of NIH grants P30ES013508 and 5T32GM008076. We also thank Thermo Scientific for access to SIEVE 2.0 and Drs. Eugene Ciccimaro and Mark Sanders of Thermo Scientific for useful discussions.

1. Sample Extraction from Cells
<ol>
	<li>For a 10 cm plate of cells: collect 1.5 ml of lifted cell suspension in media into a pre-labeled 10 ml glass centrifuge tube. For adherent lines, cells should be lifted with gentle scraping in 1.5 ml of media kept on ice. Optional: If internal standards are used, add an appropriate aliquot at this step. 
	 Comment: Quenching of cellular metabolism is crucial for certain metabolites. For analysis of time-sensitive metabolites, procedures such as cold metha...

<ol>
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J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+quantitative,+validated+capillary+electrophoresis-time+of+flight-mass+spectrometry+method+with+integrated+high-confidence+analyte+identification+for+metabolomics.">Development of a quantitative, validated capillary electrophoresis-time of flight-mass spectrometry method with integrated high-confidence analyte identification for metabolomics.</a> Electrophoresis. 29 (10), 2203-2214 (2008).</li><li>Katajamaa, M., Oresic, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Data+processing+for+mass+spectrometry-based+metabolomics.">Data processing for mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.</a> J. Chromatogr. A. 1158 (1-2), 318-328 (2007).</li><li>Katajamaa, M., Oresic, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Processing+methods+for+differential+analysis+of+LC/MS+profile+data.">Processing methods for differential analysis of LC/MS profile data.</a> BMC Bioinformatics. 6, 179 (2005).</li><li>Wilson, I. D., Nicholson, J. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High+resolution+ultra+performance+liquid+chromatography+coupled+to+q-TOF+mass+spectrometry+as+a+tool+for+differential+metabolic+pathway+profiling+in+functional+genomic+studies.">High resolution ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to q-TOF mass spectrometry as a tool for differential metabolic pathway profiling in functional genomic studies.</a> Journal of Proteome Research. 4 (2), 591-598 (2005).</li><li>Benton, H. P., Wong, D. M., Trauger, S. A., Siuzdak, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=XCMS2:+processing+tandem+mass+spectrometry+data+for+metabolite+identification+and+structural+characterization.">XCMS2: processing tandem mass spectrometry data for metabolite identification and structural characterization.</a> Anal. Chem. 80 (16), 6382-6389 (2008).</li><li>Katajamaa, M., Miettinen, J., Oresic, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MZmine:+toolbox+for+processing+and+visualization+of+mass+spectrometry+based+molecular+profile+data.">MZmine: toolbox for processing and visualization of mass spectrometry based molecular profile data.</a> Bioinformatics. 22 (5), 634-636 (2006).</li><li>Pluskal, T., Castillo, S., Villar-Briones, A., Oresic, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MZmine+2:+Modular+framework+for+processing,+visualizing,+and+analyzing+mass+spectrometry-based+molecular+profile+data.">MZmine 2: Modular framework for processing, visualizing, and analyzing mass spectrometry-based molecular profile data.</a> BMC Bioinformatics. 11 (1), 395 (2010).</li><li>Smith, C. A., Want, E. J., O'Maille, G., Abagyan, R., Siuzdak, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=XCMS:+Processing+Mass+Spectrometry+Data+for+Metabolite+Profiling+Using+Nonlinear+Peak+Alignment,+Matching,+and+Identification.">XCMS: Processing Mass Spectrometry Data for Metabolite Profiling Using Nonlinear Peak Alignment, Matching, and Identification.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 78 (3), 779-787 (2006).</li><li>Tautenhahn, R., Patti, G. J., Rinehart, D., Siuzdak, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=XCMS+Online:+A+Web-Based+Platform+to+Process+Untargeted+Metabolomic+Data.">XCMS Online: A Web-Based Platform to Process Untargeted Metabolomic Data.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 84 (11), 5035-5039 (2012).</li><li>Gelhaus, S. L., Mesaros, A. C., Blair, I. 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J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metabolite+extraction+from+suspension-cultured+mammalian+cells+for+global+metabolite+profiling.">Metabolite extraction from suspension-cultured mammalian cells for global metabolite profiling.</a> Nature Protocols. 6 (8), 1241-1249 (2011).</li><li>Dunn, W. B., Broadhurst, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Procedures+for+large-scale+metabolic+profiling+of+serum+and+plasma+using+gas+chromatography+and+liquid+chromatography+coupled+to+mass+spectrometry.">Procedures for large-scale metabolic profiling of serum and plasma using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.</a> Nature protocols. 6 (7), 1060-1083 (2011).</li><li>Masson, P., Alves, A. C., Ebbels, T. M. D., Nicholson, J. K., Want, E. 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G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+plasma+signature+of+human+mitochondrial+disease+revealed+through+metabolic+profiling+of+spent+media+from+cultured+muscle+cells.">A plasma signature of human mitochondrial disease revealed through metabolic profiling of spent media from cultured muscle cells.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 107 (4), 1571-1575 (2010).</li><li>Cequier-Sa&#252;nchez, E., Rodri&#252;guez, C., Ravelo, A. G., Za&#252;rate, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dichloromethane+as+a+Solvent+for+Lipid+Extraction+and+Assessment+of+Lipid+Classes+and+Fatty+Acids+from+Samples+of+Different+Natures.">Dichloromethane as a Solvent for Lipid Extraction and Assessment of Lipid Classes and Fatty Acids from Samples of Different Natures.</a> Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 56 (12), 4297-4303 (2008).</li><li>Keller, A., Eng, J., Zhang, N., Li, X. J., Aebersold, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+uniform+proteomics+MS/MS+analysis+platform+utilizing+open+XML+file+formats.">A uniform proteomics MS/MS analysis platform utilizing open XML file formats.</a> Mol. Syst. Biol. 1, (2005).</li><li>Cleveland, W. S., Devlin, S. 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Assoc. 83 (403), 596-610 (1988).</li><li>Lange, E., Tautenhahn, R., Neumann, S., Gropl, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Critical+assessment+of+alignment+procedures+for+LC-MS+proteomics+and+metabolomics+measurements.">Critical assessment of alignment procedures for LC-MS proteomics and metabolomics measurements.</a> BMC Bioinformatics. 9 (1), 375 (2008).</li><li>Tautenhahn, R., Bottcher, C., Neumann, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Highly+sensitive+feature+detection+for+high+resolution+LC/MS.">Highly sensitive feature detection for high resolution LC/MS.</a> BMC Bioinformatics. 9 (1), 504 (2008).</li><li>Kuhl, C., Tautenhahn, R., Bottcher, C., Larson, T. 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Untargeted metabolomics offers a powerful tool for investigating endogenous or xenobiotic biotransformations, or capturing a metabolic profile from a sample of interest. The output of the technique scales with the resolution and sensitivity of the technology used to separate and analyze the sample, the ability to deal with the large datasets generated, and the ability to mine the dataset for useful information (e.g. accurate mass database searching). Recently, this has been facilitated by advances in high resolu...

Due to recent technological advances in the field of HRMS, untargeted, hypothesis-generating metabolomics approaches have become a feasible approach to analysis of complex samples.1 Mass spectrometers capable of 100,000 resolution facilitating routine low part per million (ppm) mass accuracy have become widely available from multiple vendors.2,3 This mass accuracy allows greater specificity and confidence in a preliminary assignment of analyte identity, isotopic pattern recognition, and adduct identification.4 When coupled with an appropriate extraction procedure and high-performance LC or UPLC, complex mixtures can be analyzed with additional specificity derived from retention time data.5 UPLC possesses greater chromatographic efficiency and allows greater sensitivity, resolution and analysis time making a greater coverage of the metabolome possible.6 The resulting large datasets can be integrated into any of multiple differential analysis software and mined for useful patterns or individual analytes of interest.7,8,9,10,11 Putative hits can be initially identified using a combination of peak detection algorithms, accurate mass based chemical formula prediction, fragmentation prediction, and chemical database searching. This approach allows prioritization of targets for time-consuming complete structural identification or for development of more sensitive and more specific stable isotope dilution UPLC/selected or multiple reaction monitoring/MS studies that are the current gold standard methods for quantification.12
The varying nature of biological samples has led to optimization of extraction protocols for urine13, cells14, serum15, or tissue16. This protocol features extractions for cells, serum, and tissue. Where appropriate, comments and additional references have been included for modifications of the procedure to address inclusion of stable isotopes, or for inclusion of especially unstable metabolites.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate Buffered Saline</td>
			<td>Mediatech</td>
			<td>21-031-CM</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Water (H2O)</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>W7-4</td>
			<td>(optima)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile (CH3CN)</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A996-4</td>
			<td>(optima)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methanol (CH3OH)</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A454-4</td>
			<td>(optima)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isopropanol</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A464-4</td>
			<td>(optima)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chloroform (CH3Cl)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>366927</td>
			<td>Hazard</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2)</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
			<td>61030-1000</td>
			<td>To replace chloroform</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Diethyl Ether</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>346136</td>
			<td>To replace chloroform</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formic Acid (FA)</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>(optima)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NH4OH</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A470-250</td>
			<td>(optima)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium formate (HCOONH4)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>78314</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MicroSpin C18 Columns</td>
			<td>Nest Group Inc</td>
			<td>SS18V</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pasteur Pipettes</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>13-678-200</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10 ml Glass Centrifuge Tubes</td>
			<td>Kimble Chase</td>
			<td>73785-10</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10 ml Plastic Centrifuge Tubes</td>
			<td>CellTreat</td>
			<td>CLS-4301-015</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LC Vials (glass)</td>
			<td>Waters</td>
			<td>60000751CV</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LC Inserts (glass)</td>
			<td>Waters</td>
			<td>WAT094171</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LC Vials (plastic)</td>
			<td>Waters</td>
			<td>186002640</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>0.22 &mu;m Filters</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>8169</td>
			<td>nylon</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2 ml Eppendorf Tubes</td>
			<td>BioExpress</td>
			<td>C-3229-1</td>
			<td>Low Retention</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High Resolution Mass Spectrometer</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>LTQ XL-Orbitrap</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HPLC/UPLC</td>
			<td>Waters</td>
			<td>nanoACQUITY UPLC</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Source</td>
			<td>Michrom</td>
			<td>Thermo Advance Source</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Differential Analysis Software</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>SIEVE 2.0</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>nanoACQUITY C18 BEH130</td>
			<td>Waters</td>
			<td>186003546</td>
			<td>1.7 &mu;m particle size, 150 mm x 100 &mu;m</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acentis Express C8</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>54262</td>
			<td>2.7 &mu;m particle size, 15 cm x 200 &mu;m</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

untargeted metabolomics from biological sources using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (uplc-hrms)

Here we present a workflow to analyze the metabolic profiles for biological samples of interest including; cells, serum, or tissue. The sample is first separated into polar and non-polar fractions by a liquid-liquid phase extraction, and partially purified to facilitate downstream analysis. Both aqueous (polar metabolites) and organic (non-polar metabolites) phases of the initial extraction are processed to survey a broad range of metabolites. Metabolites are separated by different liquid chromatography methods based upon their partition properties. In this method, we present microflow ultra-performance (UP)LC methods, but the protocol is scalable to higher flows and lower pressures. Introduction into the mass spectrometer can be through either general or compound optimized source conditions. Detection of a broad range of ions is carried out in full scan mode in both positive and negative mode over a broad m/z range using high resolution on a recently calibrated instrument. Label-free differential analysis is carried out on bioinformatics platforms. Applications of this approach include metabolic pathway screening, biomarker discovery, and drug development.

The results presented show selected data from a 6-hr treatment of SH-SY5Y glioblastoma cells with the pesticide and mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone. For brevity, only the organic phase positive mode data is presented. The samples were processed and analyzed as described above (Figure 1, Table 1, Table 2) and loaded onto two differential analysis platforms for label-free quantification, SIEVE and XCMS online. Although a large number of hits (Figure 2, Figure 3)...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry UPLC-HRMS at JoVE.com

Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry UPLC-HRMS

Untargeted metabolomics provides a hypothesis generating snapshot of a metabolic profile. This protocol will demonstrate the extraction and analysis of metabolites from cells, serum, or tissue. A range of metabolites are surveyed using liquid-liquid phase extraction, microflow ultraperformance liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) coupled to differential analysis software.

Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS)

Here we present a workflow to analyze the metabolic profiles for biological samples of interest including; cells, serum, or tissue. The sample is first ...

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Large Scale Non-targeted Metabolomic Profiling of Serum by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS)

Non-targeted metabolite profiling by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) is a powerful technique to investigate metabolism. The approach offers an unbiased and in-depth analysis that can enable the development of diagnostic tests, novel therapies, and further our understanding of disease processes. The inherent chemical diversity of the metabolome creates significant analytical challenges and there is no single experimental approach that can detect all metabolites. Additionally, the biological variation in individual metabolism and the dependence of metabolism on environmental factors necessitates large sample numbers to achieve the appropriate statistical power required for meaningful biological interpretation. To address these challenges, this tutorial outlines an analytical workflow for large scale non-targeted metabolite profiling of serum by UPLC-MS. The procedure includes guidelines for sample organization and preparation, data acquisition, quality control, and metabolite identification and will enable reliable acquisition of data for large experiments and provide a starting point for laboratories new to non-targeted metabolite profiling by UPLC-MS.

Large Scale Non-targeted Metabolomic Profiling of Serum by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry UPLC-MS

Non-targeted metabolite profiling by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) is a powerful technique to investigate metabolism. This article outlines a typical workflow utilized for non-targeted metabolite profiling of serum including sample organization and preparation, data acquisition, data analysis, quality control, and metabolite identification.

Non-targeted metabolite profiling by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) is a powerful technique to ...

Analyzing Protein Dynamics Using Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry

All cellular processes depend on the functionality of proteins. Although the functionality of a given protein is the direct consequence of its unique amino acid sequence, it is only realized by the folding of the polypeptide chain into a single defined three-dimensional arrangement or more commonly into an ensemble of interconverting conformations. Investigating the connection between protein conformation and its function is therefore essential for a complete understanding of how proteins are able to fulfill their great variety of tasks. One possibility to study conformational changes a protein undergoes while progressing through its functional cycle is hydrogen-1H/2H-exchange in combination with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HX-MS). HX-MS is a versatile and robust method that adds a new dimension to structural information obtained by e.g. crystallography. It is used to study protein folding and unfolding, binding of small molecule ligands, protein-protein interactions, conformational changes linked to enzyme catalysis, and allostery. In addition, HX-MS is often used when the amount of protein is very limited or crystallization of the protein is not feasible. Here we provide a general protocol for studying protein dynamics with HX-MS and describe as an example how to reveal the interaction interface of two proteins in a complex. &#160;&#160;

Protein conformation and dynamics are key to understanding the relationship between protein structure and function. Hydrogen exchange coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry is a versatile method to study the conformational dynamics of proteins as well as characterizing protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions, including contact interfaces and allosteric effects.

All cellular processes depend on the functionality of proteins. Although the functionality of a given protein is the direct consequence of its unique ...

Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

We demonstrate that direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry can be used to produce mass spectral profiles of botanical material, and that these chemical fingerprints can be used for plant species identification. The mass spectral data can be acquired rapidly and in a high throughput manner without the need for sample extraction, derivatization or pH adjustment steps. The use of this technique bypasses challenges presented by more conventional techniques including lengthy chromatography analysis times and resource intensive methods. The high throughput capabilities of the direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry protocol, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis processing of the data, provide not only class characterization of plants, but also yield species and varietal information. Here, the technique is demonstrated with two psychoactive plant products, Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) and Datura (Jimsonweed), which were subjected to direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry followed by statistical analysis processing of the mass spectral data. The application of these tools in tandem enabled the plant materials to be rapidly identified at the level of variety and species.

A method for species identification of botanical material by direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis is presented.

We demonstrate that direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry can be used to produce mass spectral profiles of botanical material, ...

Real-time Breath Analysis by Using Secondary Nanoelectrospray Ionization Coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have aroused considerable interest, since they can serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and environmental exposure in a non-invasive manner. In this work, we present a protocol to characterize the exhaled VOCs in real time by using secondary nanoelectrospray ionization coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (Sec-nanoESI-HRMS). The homemade Sec-nanoESI source was readily set up based on a commercial nanoESI source. Hundreds of peaks were observed in the background-subtracted mass spectra of exhaled breath, and the mass accuracy values are -4.0-13.5 ppm and -20.3-1.3 ppm in the positive and negative ion detection modes, respectively. The peaks were assigned with accurate elemental composition according to the accurate mass and isotopic pattern. Less than 30 s is used for one exhalation measurement, and it takes approximately 7 min for six replicated measurements.

A protocol for characterizing chemical composition of exhaled breath in real time by using secondary nanoelectrospray ionization coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry is demonstrated.

Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have aroused considerable interest, since they can serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and environmental ...

Microprobe Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry for Single-cell Metabolomics in Live Frog (Xenopus laevis) Embryos

The quantification of small molecules in single cells raises new potentials for better understanding the basic processes that underlie embryonic development. To enable single-cell investigations directly in live embryos, new analytical approaches are needed, particularly those that are sensitive, selective, quantitative, robust, and scalable to different cell sizes. Here, we present a protocol that enables the in situ analysis of metabolism in single cells in freely developing embryos of the South African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), a powerful model in cell and developmental biology. This approach uses a capillary microprobe to aspirate a defined portion from single identified cells in the embryo, leaving neighboring cells intact for subsequent analysis. The collected cell content is analyzed by a microscale capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization (CE-ESI) interface coupled to a high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer. This approach is scalable to various cell sizes and compatible with the complex three-dimensional structure of the developing embryo. As an example, we demonstrate that microprobe single-cell CE-ESI-MS enables the elucidation of metabolic cell heterogeneity that unfolds as a progenitor cell gives rise to descendants during development of the embryo. Besides cell and developmental biology, the single-cell analysis protocols described here are amenable to other cell sizes, cell types, or animal models.

Microprobe Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry for Single-cell Metabolomics in Live Frog Xenopus laevis Embryos

We describe steps that enable fast in situ sampling of a small portion of an individual cell with high precision and minimal invasion using capillary-based micro-sampling, to facilitate chemical characterization of a snapshot of metabolic activity in live embryos using a custom-built single cell capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry platform.

The quantification of small molecules in single cells raises new potentials for better understanding the basic processes that underlie embryonic ...

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry

New analytical methods are urgently needed to enable high-throughput, yet comprehensive drug screening, given an alarming opioid and prescription drug crisis in public health. Conventional urine drug testing based on a two-tier immunoassay screen followed by a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method are expensive and prone to bias while being limited to targeted panels of known drugs of abuse (DoA). Herein, we outline an improved method for drug surveillance that allows for the resolution and detection of an expanded panel of DoA and their metabolites when using multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (MSI-CE-MS). Multiplexed separations of ten urine samples with a quality control by CE (&lt; 3 min/sample) in conjunction with full-scan data acquisition using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) under positive ion mode detection allows for the identification and quantification of DoA above recommended cut-off levels. An excellent resolution of drug isomers and isobars, including background interferences, are achieved when using MSI-CE-MS with an electrokinetic spacer between sample segments, where accurate mass/molecular formula together with the comigration of a matching deuterated internal standard and the detection of one or more bio-transformed metabolites facilitate DoA identification over a wider detection window. Additionally, urine samples can be analyzed directly without enzyme deconjugation for the rapid screening without complicated sample workup. MSI-CE-MS enables the surveillance of a broad spectrum of DoA that is required for the treatment monitoring of high-risk patients, including confirming prescribed drug adherence, revealing illicit drug use/substitution, and evaluating optimal dosage regimes as required for new advances in precision medicine.

Here we describe a high-throughput method for comprehensive drug surveillance that allows for the improved resolution and detection of large panels of drugs of abuse and their metabolites, with quality control based on multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.

New analytical methods are urgently needed to enable high-throughput, yet comprehensive drug screening, given an alarming opioid and prescription drug ...

Imaging Corrosion at the Metal-Paint Interface Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Corrosion developed at the paint and aluminum (Al) metal-paint interface of an aluminum alloy is analyzed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), illustrating that SIMS is a suitable technique to study the chemical distribution at a metal-paint interface. The painted Al alloy coupons are immersed in a salt solution or exposed to air only. SIMS provides chemical mapping and 2D molecular imaging of the interface, allowing direct visualization of the morphology of the corrosion products formed at the metal-paint interface and mapping of the chemical after corrosion occurs. The experimental procedure of this method is presented to provide technical details to facilitate similar research and highlight pitfalls that may be encountered during such experiments.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry is applied to demonstrate the chemical mapping and corrosion morphology at the metal-paint interface of an aluminum alloy after being exposed to a salt solution compared with a specimen exposed to air.

Corrosion developed at the paint and aluminum (Al) metal-paint interface of an aluminum alloy is analyzed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass ...

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution  X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

The study of elements with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is of particular interest when studying the role of metals in biological systems. Sample preparation is a key and often complex procedure, particularly for biological samples. Although X-ray speciation techniques are widely used, no detailed protocol has been yet disseminated for users of the technique. Further, chemical state modification is of concern, and cryo-based techniques are recommended to analyze the biological samples in their near-native hydrated state to provide the maximum preservation of chemical integrity of the cells or tissues. Here, we propose a cellular preparation protocol based on cryo-preserved samples. It is demonstrated in a high energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of selenium in cancer cells and a study of iron in phytoplankton. This protocol can be used with other biological samples and other X-ray techniques that can be damaged by irradiation.

This protocol presents a detailed procedure to prepare biological cryosamples for synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments. We describe all the steps required to optimize sample preparation and cryopreservation with examples of the protocol with cancer and phytoplankton cells. This method provides a universal standard of sample cryo-preparation.

The study of elements with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is of particular interest when studying the role of metals in biological systems. Sample ...

3D Depth Profile Reconstruction of Segregated Impurities Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

The presented protocol combines excellent detection limits (1 ppm to 1 ppb) using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) with reasonable spatial resolution (~1 &#181;m). Furthermore, it describes how to obtain realistic three-dimensional (3D) distributions of segregated impurities/dopants in solid state materials. Direct 3D depth profile reconstruction is often difficult to achieve due to SIMS-related measurement artifacts. Presented here is a method to identify and solve this challenge. Three major issues are discussed, including the i) nonuniformity of the detector being compensated by flat-field correction; ii) vacuum background contribution (parasitic oxygen counts from residual gases present in the analysis chamber) being estimated and subtracted; and iii)&#160;performance of all steps within a stable timespan of the primary ion source. Wet chemical etching is used to reveal the position and types of dislocation in a material, then the SIMS result is superimposed on images obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thus, the position of agglomerated impurities can be related to the position of certain defects. The method is fast and does not require sophisticated sample preparation stage; however, it requires a high-quality, stable ion source, and the entire measurement must be performed quickly to avoid deterioration of the primary beam parameters.

The presented method describes how to identify and solve measurement artifacts related to secondary ion mass spectrometry as well as obtain realistic 3D distributions of impurities/dopants in solid state materials.

The presented protocol combines excellent detection limits (1 ppm to 1 ppb) using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) with reasonable spatial ...

Characterizing RNA Modifications in Single Neurons Using Mass Spectrometry

Post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) of RNA represent an understudied mechanism involved in the regulation of translation in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent evidence has linked specific neuronal RNA modifications to learning and memory paradigms. Unfortunately, conventional methods for the detection of these epitranscriptomic features are only capable of characterizing highly abundant RNA modifications in bulk tissues, precluding the assessment of unique PTM profiles that may exist for individual neurons within the activated behavioral circuits. In this protocol, an approach is described&#8212;single-neuron RNA modification analysis by mass spectrometry (SNRMA-MS)&#8212;to simultaneously detect and quantify numerous modified ribonucleosides in single neurons. The approach is validated using individual neurons of the marine mollusk, Aplysia californica, beginning with surgical isolation and enzymatic treatment of major CNS ganglia to expose neuron cell bodies, followed by manual single-neuron isolation using sharp needles and a micropipette. Next, mechanical and thermal treatment of the sample in a small volume of buffer is done to liberate RNA from an individual cell for subsequent RNA digestion. Modified nucleosides are then identified and quantified using an optimized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. SNRMA-MS is employed to establish RNA modification patterns for single, identified neurons from A. californica that have known morphologies and functions. Examples of qualitative and quantitative SNRMA-MS are presented that highlight the heterogeneous distribution of RNA modifications across individual neurons in neuronal networks.

Post-transcriptional modifications of RNA represent an understudied layer of translation regulation that has recently been linked to central nervous system plasticity. Here, sample preparation and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach is described for simultaneous characterization of numerous RNA modifications in single neurons.

Post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) of RNA represent an understudied mechanism involved in the regulation of translation in the central nervous ...