AL
to elucidate metalloprotein structure and function. Metalloproteomic approaches are pro- ving particularly useful in the study of neu- rodegenerative diseases, where abnormal accumulations of metals are found in the brain.5
The future of clinical MS
With the advent of increasingly sensitive tech- nologies, the range of MS technologies and applications will continue to expand. Tissue imaging using MS techniques is a developing field that is set to enter the clinical mainstream. Metallomic tissue mapping using LA-ICP/MS is already helping researchers understand the ef- fects of traumatic brain injury.6
Tissue mapping
can be used to quantify neuroinflammation and disruption to the blood–brain barrier in specimens with variable elemental and isotopic composition. Such approaches may be used to provide clinical insights into the pathophysi- ological mechanisms of concussion.
Since improving sample-to-knowledge analy- sis time is critical for labs processing routine samples, continued progress toward simplified “pushbutton” MS processes is to be expected. While instruments can deliver results at excep- tional speed, in some cases sample preparation steps are still tedious. Increased automation and seamless integration of sample preparation and analysis are helping to simplify processes and reduce times to results. Sample prepara- tion techniques such as the Prosolia Velox 360 PaperSpray System (Thermo Fisher Scientific) allow liquid samples to be applied onto a porous paper matrix before being analyzed directly through electrospraying from the tip of the matrix into the instrument. These techniques eliminate steps most commonly associated with workflow down time and are being researched for drugs-of-abuse testing and other clinical utility areas. Additionally, the development of transportable or handheld mass spectrometers could open up a range of possibilities for point- of-care applications.
An additional challenge associated with high- throughput MS multi-’omics is the large amount of data produced. Recent advances in labora- tory infrastructure are making data processing simpler and faster. LIMS are increasingly being used to manage entire workflows and integrate seamlessly with MS structure identification tools and cloud libraries to identify analytes
AMERICAN LABORATORY 31
based on fragmentation patterns. The ability to share information on biomarkers quickly between institutions will further draw MS into the clinical laboratory.
Conclusion
Researchers and clinicians are continuing to push the boundaries of MS, driven by advances in instrument precision and sensitivity and new techniques for integrated sample preparation, automation and data analysis.
References
1. Soldin, S.J.; Soukhova, N. et al. The measure- ment of free thyroxine by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Clin. Chim. Acta 2005; doi: 10.1016/
j.cccn.2005.02.010.
2. Tate, J. and Ward, G. Interferences in immu- noassay, Clin. Biochem. Rev. 2004, 25(2), 105–20.
3.
www.aacc.org/publications/cln/arti- cles/2015/february/future-of-mass-spec
4.
www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gen/clinical_ omics_vol3iss9/#/12
5. Lothian, A.; Hare, D.J. et al. Metallopro- teomics: principles, challenges, and appli- cations to neurodegeneration. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2013; doi: 10.3389/ fnagi.2013.00035.
6. Hare, D.J.; George, J.L. et al. Three-dimen- sional elemental bio-imaging of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and P in a 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned mouse brain. Metallomics 2010; doi: 10.1039/C0MT00039F.
Lisa Thomas is senior director of marketing for the clinical and forensic markets in the Chro- matography and Mass Spectrometry business (
lisa.j.thomas@
thermofisher.com), and Bradley Hart is market development director in the Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry business at Thermo Fisher Scientific, 490 Lakeside Dr., Sunnyvale, Calif. 94085, U.S.A.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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