Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00069

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png In-Source Fragmentation Annotation in Sterol Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Sidorov, I. ; Ogrinc, N. ; Spieth, L.DZNE* ; Kopcil, M. ; Heijink, M. ; Dalebout, H. ; Saher, G. ; Berghoff, S. A.DZNE* ; Siuzdak, G. ; Giera, M.

2026
American Chemical Society Columbus, Ohio

This record in other databases:    

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05199

Abstract: Spatial biology has emerged as a pivotal area in many life science fields, with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) becoming a cornerstone for molecular imaging. Among recent advancements to increase sensitivity, MALDI-2 technology has significantly expanded the molecular space accessible to MSI, increasing the ion yields of neutral metabolites, such as sterols. Sterols have recently taken center stage in numerous (patho-) physiological processes, including neurodegenerative diseases that have attracted significant scientific interest. However, in-source fragmentation (ISF) poses a substantial challenge for accurate biological interpretation of mass spectrometric data. In this study, we observed and investigated the ISF of cholesterol during MSI under MALDI and MALDI-2 conditions. Using a murine intervention model, we demonstrate how ISF can compromise the accuracy of biological interpretations, potentially leading to significant misinterpretations. Our study underscores the critical need to address ISF to ensure accurate molecular annotation, particularly through tandem mass spectrometry of in-source fragments. This is especially important when using MALDI-2 techniques. Furthermore, we introduce a high-resolution (5 μm) MSI technique, enabling the precise spatial analysis of cholesterol distribution.

Keyword(s): Animals (MeSH) ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization: methods (MeSH) ; Mice (MeSH) ; Cholesterol: analysis (MeSH) ; Cholesterol: metabolism (MeSH) ; Sterols: analysis (MeSH) ; Sterols: chemistry (MeSH) ; Molecular Imaging: methods (MeSH) ; Cholesterol ; Sterols

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Molecular Neurobiology (AG Simons)

Research Program(s):

1. 351 - Brain Function (POF4-351) (POF4-351)

---

Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---