Analysis of localization of specialized metabolites in plant tissues with Imaging MS

Abstract

Imaging MS is a new tool to map the spatial distribution of molecules including secondary metabolites on the biological materials.　By using combinations of scanning system and various methods for ionization, matrices, and mass apparatuses, we can detect localization of biomolecules in tissues.　Recently, we applied Imaging MS to intact plant tissues by the in house-developed apparatus which has the refinement of Matrix Associated Laser Desorption/Ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance （MALDI-FTICR） MS incorporating ultra-high mass resolution, ultra-high molecular mass accuracy and high spatial resolution.　This Imaging MS analysis succeeded in visualizing of cellular localization of secondary metabolites of Catharanthus roseus stem tissues glued to a small conductive glass.