Molecular Analysis of Tumor Margins by MALDI Mass Spectrometry in Renal Carcinoma

Abstract

The rate of tumor recurrence post resection suggests that there are underlying molecular changes in nearby histologically normal tissue that go undetected by conventional diagnostic methods that utilize contrast agents and histochemistry. MALDI MS is a molecular technology that has the specificity and sensitivity to monitor and identify molecular species indicative of these processes. The current study utilizes this technology to assess molecular distributions within a tumor and adjacent normal tissue in clear cell renal cell carcinoma biopsies. Results indicate that the histologically normal tissue adjacent to the tumor expresses many of the molecular characteristics of the tumor. Proteins of the mitochondrial electron transport system are examples of such distributions. This work demonstrates the utility of MALDI MS for the analysis of tissue biopsies in the elucidation of molecular processes in the tumor microenvironment.

Diabetic nephropathy induces alterations in the glomerular and tubule lipid profiles

“…Interestingly, unlike in all other mammals, ganglioside technology enables molecular profi ling of specifi c areas of the tissues while preserving tissue morphology. This technology has been instrumental in understanding molecular changes on the border between normal and cancer tissues ( 42 ), classifying tumor types ( 28,43 ), determining tissue drug distributions ( 44,45 ), and identifying candidate markers of disease ( 20,46 ). As demonstrated in this study, it is now possible to analyze the molecular composition and molecular modifi cations in distinct renal tissue regions, and even within smaller structures such as glomeruli and tubules.…”

MALDI In-Source Decay, from Sequencing to Imaging

“…In most published applications, proteins are targeted as potential biomarkers of pathology, as in many studies, for ovarian tumors [80,81], renal carcinoma [82], or Parkinson's disease [83,84]. For small molecules analysis, two main classes may be distinguished -exogenous drugs and endogenous metabolites.…”

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

“…Once an analyte can be routinely imaged using a MALDI MSI-based method, it can be used for diagnostic purposes. In fact, tissue imaging could be performed in a hospital setting, with an instrument located next to the operating room, where, as has been already demonstrated 51 , it could be used to accurately determine the margins of tumors.…”