New technique expands tissues so hundreds of biomolecules can be seen inside cells

TEMI: tissue-expansion mass-spectrometry imaging

The spatial distribution of diverse biomolecules in multicellular organisms is essential for their physiological functions. High-throughput in situ mapping of biomolecules is crucial for both basic and medical research, and requires high scanning speed, spatial resolution, and chemical sensitivity. Here we developed a tissue-expansion method compatible with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass-spectrometry imaging (TEMI). TEMI reache…

They Blew Up Tissues – And Found a Hidden World of Molecules

Scientists have developed an innovative technique that combines expansion microscopy with mass spectrometry imaging to visualize hundreds of biomolecules in intact tissues at single-cell resolution. This breakthrough could transform our understanding of biological processes like aging and disease by revealing the molecular layout within tissues. With no need for specialized equipment, the method is easy [...]

New expansion technique brings mass spectrometry imaging to single cell level

For biologists, seeing is believing. But sometimes biologists have a hard time seeing.

New technique expands tissues so hundreds of biomolecules can be seen inside cells

For biologists, seeing is believing. But sometimes biologists have a hard time seeing. One particularly vexing challenge is seeing all the molecules in an intact tissue sample, down to the level of single cells, simultaneously. Detecting the location of hundreds or thousands of biomolecules—from lipids to metabolites to proteins—in their native environment allows researchers to better understand their functions and interactions. Unfortunately, s…

For biologists, seeing is believing. But sometimes biologists find it difficult to see. A particularly challenging task is to simultaneously see all the molecules in an intact tissue sample, down to the level of individual cells. Detecting hundreds or thousands of biomolecules...