Münster, Germany – Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a groundbreaking technique to visualize the chemical signals emitted by individual cells, offering an unprecedented window into the complex processes driving biological function and disease. The innovation combines single-cell mass spectrometry imaging with integrated microscopy, allowing scientists to map the distribution of molecules within cells with exceptional spatial resolution.
The new method,detailed in a recent Nature Communications publication,overcomes limitations of existing technologies by concurrently identifying thousands of different molecules within a single cell and pinpointing their precise location. This capability promises to accelerate research in areas like cancer biology,drug development,and personalized medicine,where understanding cellular heterogeneity is crucial. The team anticipates the technology will enable earlier and more accurate disease diagnosis, and facilitate the design of targeted therapies.
Led by Dr. Jens Soltwisch of the Institute of Hygiene at the University of Münster, the research team modified a fluorescence microscopy-t-MALDI-2 mass spectrometer to achieve this level of detail. The technique allows for the creation of detailed chemical maps of tissues, revealing how molecular compositions vary across different cell types and locations.
“We can now see not just what molecules are present in a cell, but where they are located,” explained Dr. Alexander Potthoff, a member of the research team. “This spatial data is critical for understanding how cells communicate and respond to their environment.”
The study, published online February 26, 2025, details the prosperous request of the technique to analyze biological samples. The research team included Dr. Sebastian beßler, Dr. Jan Schwenzfeier, and Prof. Dr.Klaus Dreisewerd.
The original publication is: potthoff, A.,Schwenzfeier,J., Niehaus, M. et al. Spatial biology using single-cell mass spectrometry imaging and integrated microscopy. Nat Commun 16, 9129 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64603-8
Contact:
Dr. Jens Soltwisch
Institute of Hygiene | University of Münster
Email: jenssol@uni-muenster.de
Phone: 0049 251 83 59967
