Aims: The in-situ proteomics technology known as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) is a powerful technique that combines traditional histology and proteomics.
Methods and results: MALDI-IMS was applied to routine diagnostic kidney biopsies in a small group of cases of membranous glomerulonephritis and minimal change disease. Molecular changes were observed not only in the tissue areas with pathological alterations, but also in morphologically normal-looking tissue, highlighting the potential feasibility of using MALDI-IMS as a tool in nephropathology.
Conclusions: This technology can be applied to any biopsy where a frozen section is obtained as part of the diagnostic process. Although we do not yet know the molecular identity of the differentially expressed proteins/peptides, they could represent powerful classifiers of nosological groups.
Keywords: glomerular disease; glomerulonephritis; proteomics.
© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.