MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry Poised to Complement IHC in Pathology Workflows
This review compares MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) with traditional immunohistochemistry for spatial protein analysis in tissue sections. MALDI IMS offers label-free, multiplexed detection of hundreds of proteins in a single run, providing molecular context that IHC cannot match. As personalised medicine demands deeper proteomic characterisation for diagnosis and therapy selection, MALDI IMS is emerging as a powerful addition to the pathologist's toolkit.
The original study
Next-generation protein analysis in the pathology department.
- Authors
- Ahmed M, Broeckx G, Baggerman G, Schildermans K, Pauwels P, Van Craenenbroeck AH, et al.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical pathology
- Type
- Journal Article, Review
- PMID
- 31308255
Original abstract
Traditionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used by pathologists to localise specific proteins or peptides in tissue slides. In the era of personalised medicine, however, molecular tissue analysis becomes indispensable for correct diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decision, not only on the DNA or mRNA level but also on the protein level. Combining molecular information with imaging presents many advantages. Therefore, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) is a promising technique to be added to the armamentarium of the pathologist. Here, we focus on the workflow, advantages and drawbacks of both MALDI IMS and IHC. We also briefly discuss a few other protein imaging modalities and give examples of applications.