Spatial Targeted Metabolomics Service
Our Spatial Targeted Metabolomics service provides high-resolution spatial mapping and quantification of 1 to 50 specific metabolites within biological samples. Using advanced mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and custom-designed panels, this service allows precise analysis of targeted metabolites, offering valuable insights into metabolic processes and disease mechanisms across different tissue regions.
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- What is
- Our service
- Workflow
- Applications
- Why choose
- FAQs
- Best suited clients
What is Spatial Targeted Metabolomics?
Spatial Targeted Metabolomics is a cutting-edge technology that integrates high-sensitivity mass spectrometry imaging with targeted quantitative analysis. It enables precise localization and quantification of known metabolites within specific metabolic pathways while preserving the tissue's spatial architecture. Utilizing a MALDI-QQQ or Targeted MSI platform combined with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, it achieves highly specific and sensitive spatial distribution analysis of metabolites at micrometer resolution. This technology is widely applicable to the study of complex biological processes such as tumor heterogeneity, drug distribution kinetics, and neuro-metabolism, providing crucial chemical mapping information for disease mechanism exploration and precision medicine.
Target the Pathways that Drive Biology
We specialize in mapping the "engine room" of the cell. Choose from our pre-validated pathway modules or mix and match to create your custom 1–50 metabolite panel.
| Metabolic Category | Key Target Examples | Spatial Research Application |
|---|---|---|
| TCA Cycle | Citrate, Succinate, Fumarate, Malate, α-KG | Mitochondrial Health: Map oxidative phosphorylation & tumor metabolism. |
| Glycolysis & PPP | Pyruvate, Lactate, Glucose-6-P, Ribose-5-P | Energy Zones: Visualize hypoxia gradients & Warburg effect. |
| Amino Acids | Gln, Glu, Asp, Serine, Glycine, Alanine | Signaling: Map neurotransmitter gradients & nutrient uptake. |
| Nucleotides | ATP, ADP, AMP, GTP, UTP | Cell Vitality: Assess proliferation & Energy Charge (AEC). |
| Free Fatty Acids | Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, Arachidonic Acid | Lipidomics: Track lipid dysregulation & inflammation. |
| Custom Targets | Drugs, Polyamines, Bile Acids, Cofactors | PK/PD: Visualize drug distribution & off-target accumulation. |
Workflow
Applications: The Power of "Where"
By simultaneously determining what is present, how much exists, and exactly where it is located, Spatial Targeted Metabolomics transforms complex tissue data into actionable insights.
- Precision Medicine & Disease Mechanisms
- Oncology: Decode tumor heterogeneity by mapping the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). Distinguish metabolic signatures in the tumor core vs. stroma to understand drug resistance and validate prognostic biomarkers.
- Neuroscience: Visualize the distribution of neurotransmitters and lipids across complex brain structures. Map chemical changes around pathological features like amyloid plaques or Lewy bodies.
- Organ Injury: Reveal metabolic remodeling in injured tissues (e.g., stroke infarcts) and detect "silent" metabolic changes in histologically normal regions.
- Drug Development (Spatial PK/PD)
- Distribution & Penetration: Move beyond plasma concentrations. Visualize exactly where drugs and metabolites accumulate in tissues—critical for assessing penetration into complex structures like granulomas or tumors.
- Safety & Efficacy: Evaluate therapeutic effects and identify potential off-target toxicities by monitoring metabolic changes in specific organs.
- Natural Products & Functional Foods
- Mechanism of Action: Provide a modern scientific basis for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and functional foods. Track the absorption and spatiotemporal distribution of active ingredients to decode "component-host" interactions.
- Agriculture & Plant Science
- Crop Optimization: Map the synthesis of defensive metabolites in roots, stems, and leaves under stress conditions to guide breeding programs and improve crop quality.
Why Choose Us?
- 1–50 metabolite targeting panels (fully customizable)
- Tissue metabolic distribution with micron-level spatial resolution
- MRM mode provides higher sensitivity and specificity
- Relative quantification between regions (ROI vs ROI)
- Comprehensive data reports, including raw data, data analysis, maps, etc.
FAQs
Do I need to know the exact mass of my targets?
A: No, you only need to provide a list of metabolites you want to analyze. Based on your list, our team will determine the ionization properties, the optimal detection mode (positive, negative, or both), and calculate the exact m/z values and relevant adducts, ensuring accurate and reliable spatial-targeted metabolomics results.
Can you quantify the concentration of metabolites?
A: We provide relative quantification (comparing Region A vs. Region B). Absolute quantification requires the use of isotopically labeled internal standards spotted onto the tissue, which can be added as an optional service.
How does this differ from Untargeted Spatial Metabolomics?
A: Untargeted methods try to detect everything, often sacrificing sensitivity for low-abundance molecules. This Targeted service optimizes the instrument to see a specific list of 1-50 molecules with much higher sensitivity and specificity.
Learn about other Q&A.
Sample Preparation Guidelines
To ensure accurate metabolic mapping, strict adherence to these protocols is required to prevent metabolite turnover and ionization suppression.
- Fresh Frozen Only: We strictly require fresh frozen tissue. Do not use Formalin (FFPE) or Glutaraldehyde, as chemical cross-linking destroys small molecules and prevents ionization.
- Snap-Freezing: Metabolism changes within seconds of excision. Tissues must be snap-frozen immediately (within <1 minute) in isopentane cooled by liquid nitrogen or a dry ice slurry. This "stops the clock" on metabolic turnover.
- Embedding Media: Use CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) or Gelatin.
- Avoid OCT: Standard OCT compound contains PEG polymers that cause high background noise in mass spectrometry, often masking the signals of target metabolites.
- Storage & Shipping: Samples must remain at -80°C at all times. Ship on ample dry ice to ensure no thawing occurs during transit.
Please contact us for technical support before sending samples.
Who is this service best suited for?
Perfectly suited if you:
- Already know which metabolites/pathways are important, rather than blindly exploring
- Concerned about tissue regional differences (tumor core vs. periphery, lesion vs. normal area, etc.)
- Need higher sensitivity and reproducibility than untargeted MSI
- Want data that directly supports mechanistic hypotheses, PK/PD, or decision-making
May not be suitable if you:
- Only have FFPE samples and cannot obtain fresh frozen tissue
- Completely in the exploratory stage and are unaware of any candidate metabolites
- Your goal is "to see as many molecules as possible," rather than "to answer specific questions".
Unsure if this is right for you? Our scientific team can assist you in determining the technical approach free of charge in the early stages of the project.
