Scientists at Janelia Research Campus and University of Wisconsin-Madison have achieved a stunningly beautiful advance in molecular biology. Together their shark science partnership has uncovered some pretty groundbreaking findings. This new technique, known as Tissue Expansion Mass Imaging (TEMI), enables scientists to detect hundreds of biomolecules within intact tissues at the single-cell level. By using mass spectrometry imaging, TEMI allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how these molecules function and interact in their native environments.
TEMI is a major step forward compared to past techniques, addressing complex spatial resolution issues that have historically been a barrier in mass spectrometry imaging applications. Using this technique, researchers were able to create detailed lipid distribution maps across the various layers of the cerebellum. This pioneering effort offers unprecedented molecular-level detail about the composition of biological tissues.
The Mechanics of TEMI
Since intact samples are uniformly expanded in all directions via the TEMI methodology, biomolecules contained within each sample is made more visible to subsequent analytical techniques. This ambitious process is made possible through a powerful technique known as expansion microscopy. It was co-invented by researcher Johan Tillberg, when he was a graduate student at MIT, more than a decade ago.
With TEMI, scientists are able to visualize hundreds of different biomolecules at once, such as all different types of lipids and other crucial cellular components. In turn, they can investigate the spatial relationships between a population of molecules, molecule types, improving their understanding of biological processes.
Wang, one of the principal researchers behind TEMI, remarked on the importance of accessibility in scientific research.
“We wanted to develop something that did not require specialized instruments or procedures, but can be broadly adopted,” – Wang
This focus on usability will be monumental in promoting broad adoption both in academia and industry laboratories around the globe.
A New Frontier in Biomolecular Research
This unprecedented ability to simultaneously detect and map hundreds of biomolecules at once creates exciting new possibilities for research. With the ability to visualize exactly where and in what patterns these biomolecules exist, scientists are finally starting to crack the code on their purposes and interactions.
The knowledge learned through TEMI will accelerate advances in many areas, from neuroscience to cancer research to developmental biology. By creating an untargeted glimpse into the molecular landscape, researchers can develop hypotheses that were once impossible to achieve.
“Knowing at each specific location what molecules are there and what is in the neighboring cells is very important for any kind of biological question,” – Wang
Tillberg emphasized the potential of TEMI to improve spatial resolution in molecular imaging:
This development represents a critical advancement connecting mass spectrometry to these powerful microscopy approaches.
“This lets you have an untargeted look in the molecular space, and we are trying to bring it closer to what microscopy can do in terms of spatial resolution,” – Tillberg
The implications of TEMI go beyond detection. It presents opportunities for unprecedented exploration into biological systems. By mapping out the spatial distribution and interactions of biomolecules within tissues, scientists can start to solve complex biological mysteries.
Implications for Future Research
Such precision understanding allows for an unprecedented understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanism, opening the door to new therapeutic approaches.
Even as it demonstrates the great potential of AI, Wang and Tillberg are under no illusions about the long road ahead. The scientific community is always looking for new ways to go beyond what’s possible that are engaging to a broad audience. As Wang pointed out,
“When you can see these biomolecules, then you can start to understand why they have such patterns and how that is related to function,” – Wang
This newfound clarity fosters a better grasp of cellular processes and disease mechanisms, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies.
Despite its promising capabilities, Wang and Tillberg remain aware of the challenges ahead. The scientific community continuously seeks methods that not only push boundaries but are also accessible to a wider audience. As Wang pointed out,
“Seeing is believing. But sometimes biologists have a hard time seeing.”
