Design
by developing advanced mass spectrometry
The diversity and the small differences of lipids’ molecular structures poses great challenges for the selective detection and localization in body fluids and tissue.
We translate our technogical knowledge into solutions, as our research activities on the design, development and routine application of advanced mass spectrometry based imaging and profiling technologies. In order to visualize the localization of lipids in tissue (e.g. in case of Alzheimer’s or multiple scleroses) the UM and UL research new MS imaging techniques, based on MALDI and TOF-SIMS and using recently developed different ionization approaches, such as MALDI-2 ionisation and OzID derivatization. These molecular imaging technologies make use of in-house developed statistical evaluation software and data processing tools, which allow an accurate classification of lipids. With advanced high resolution LC-MS/MS and LC-IMS-MS/MS technologioes, the UM, KUL and the UKA are able to assess a detailed picture of the lipids composition in body fluids and homogenates of tissue. Over 1400 lipids can be profiled in a high throughput manner, using a targeted or non-targeted approach.
In summary, the Eurlipids consortium utilizes this high integrated toolbox of different MS technologies and knowhow to design new methodologies, along their application in routine analysis. Altogether this basis is essential to perform as a true center of excellence in Lipidomics.
New technology, new discoveries, new insights
The new technology platform we shape, will enable a more precise and detailed profile of a large and diverse set of lipid classes. It has proven its ability to discover previously unknown lipids in brain tissue originating from Alzheimer patients. These observations led to new biomedical research projects, investigating the role of structural isomers in disease onset.
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Building bridges in lipidomics benefits:
