Proteoform-selective imaging of tissues using mass spectrometry

Unraveling the complexity of biological systems relies on the development of new approaches for spatially resolved proteoform-specific analysis of the proteome. Herein, we employ nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (nano-DESI MSI) for the proteoform-selective imaging of biological tissues. Nano-DESI generates multiply charged protein ions, which is advantageous for their structural characterization using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) directly on the tissue. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that nano-DESI MSI combined with on-tissue top-down proteomics is ideally suited for the proteoform-selective imaging of tissue sections. Using rat brain tissue as a model system, we provide the first evidence of differential proteoform expression in different regions of the brain.