Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Target Research Articles

Spray-Based Application of Matrix to Agar-Based Microbial Samples for Reproducible Sample Adherence in MALDI MSI.

Microbial mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool used to generate biological hypotheses about the roles of metabolites in microbial competition based upon their two-dimensional spatial distribution. The most commonly used ionization method for microbial MSI is matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). However, medium components and microbial metabolites influence the adhesion of agar samples to the MALDI target, limiting the applicability of MALDI MSI to microbes grown on specific media. Here, we describe a three-step process using a robotic sprayer for a matrix application that improves the adherence of agar samples to the MALDI target, enabling the use of different media for microbial growth and an MSI analysis of larger sample surface areas.

Fabrication of nanoscale multimolecular structures of lanthanum stearate using Langmuir monolayers for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) from the surface of nanosized multimolecular structures based on lanthanum stearate monolayers (FLa) has been studied. The presence of FLa on the surface of MALDI target was confirmed experimentally by laser desorption of lanthanum-containing organic ions. MALDI target functionalization with FLa is shown to significantly increase the yield of target peptide ions, with the optimum being achieved at a film thickness of about 6 monolayers. An approach is proposed in a "lab-on-a-plate" format, which allows specific extraction of peptides modified with chlorine-containing compounds and includes the following steps: functionalization of the target surface, metal affinity extraction, matrix deposition and MALDI mass spectrometric analysis. Keywords: mass spectrometry, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), surface, Langmuir monolayers, metal affinity chromatography.

New suitable deprotonating matrices for the analysis of carboxylic acids and some acidic compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in negative ion mode.

Direct non-derivatization analysis of organic acids and acidic compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) in positive ion mode is not always possible due to the low ionization efficiency of analytes. Some new efficient deprotonating matrices were suggested that allowed the production of negative ions from acidic compounds during MALDI-MS experiments. Various tested carboxyl-containing compounds as well as compounds with acidic properties were mixed with the suggested deprotonating matrices [4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMABA), N,N-dimethylamino-p-phenylenediamine or 3-aminoquinoline] and applied on a standard MALDI target followed by recording MALDI mass spectra in negative ion mode. All the tested acidic compounds mixed with the suggested deprotonating matrices produced abundant [M - H]- ions under MALDI conditions. DMABA produced the strongest signals reflecting greater sensitivity of analysis. The suggested deprotonating matrices are commercially available compounds and are good alternatives to well-known matrices of this kind and, in particular, the often used 9-aminoacridine. DMABA is the best of the tested potential matrices and is suitable for the detection of low molecular weight carboxyl-containing compounds, substituted phenols, and mixtures of naphthenic acids by (-)MALDI-MS.

A simple MALDI target plate with channel design to improve detection sensitivity and reproducibility for quantitative analysis of biomolecules.

Overcoming the detrimental effects of sweet spots during crystallization is an important step to improve the quantitative abilities of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. In this study, we introduce MALDI targets, which exhibit a channel design to reduce sweet spot phenomena and improve reproducibility. The size of the channels was 3.0 mm in length, 0.35 mm in depth, and 0.40 mm in width, adjusted to the width of the implemented laser beam. For sample deposition, the matrix/sample mixture was homogenously deposited into the channels using capillary action. To demonstrate the proof-of-principle, the novel plates were used for the quantification of acetyl-L-carnitine in human blood plasma using a combined standard addition and isotope dilution method. The results showed that the reproducibility of acetyl-L-carnitine detection was highly improved over a conventional MALDI-MS assay, with RSD values of less than 5.9% in comparison with 15.6% using the regular MALDI method. The limits of quantification using the new plates were lowered approximately two-fold in comparison with a standard rastering approach on a smooth stainless-steel plate. Matrix effects were also assessed and shown to be negligible. The new assay was subsequently applied to the quantification of acetyl-L-carnitine in human plasma samples.

LC coupled to ESI, MALDI and ICP MS – A multiple hyphenation for metalloproteomic studies

A new multiple detection arrangement for liquid chromatography (LC) that supplements conventional electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) detection with two complementary detection techniques, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS and substrate-assisted laser desorption inductively coupled plasma (SALD ICP) MS has been developed. The combination of the molecular and elemental detectors in a single separation run is accomplished by utilizing a commercial MALDI target made of conductive plastic. The proposed platform provides a number of benefits in today's metalloproteomic applications, which are demonstrated by analysis of a metallothionein mixture. To maintain metallothionein complexes, separation is carried out at a neutral pH. The effluent is split; a major portion is directed to ESI MS while the remaining 1.8% fraction is deposited onto a plastic MALDI target. Dried droplets are overlaid with MALDI matrix and analysed consecutively by MALDI MS and SALD ICP MS. In the ESI MS spectra, the MT isoform complexes with metals and their stoichiometry are determined; the apoforms are revealed in the MALDI MS spectra. Quantitative determination of metallothionein isoforms is performed via determination of metals in the complexes of the individual protein isoforms using SALD ICP MS.

Ethyl Esterification for MALDI-MS Analysis of Protein Glycosylation.

Ethyl esterification is a technique for the chemical modification of sialylated glycans, leading to enhanced stability when performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-mass spectrometry (MS), as well as allowing the efficient detection of both sialylated and non-sialylated glycans in positive ion mode. In addition, the method shows specific reaction products for α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids, leading to an MS distinguishable mass difference. Here, we describe the ethyl esterification protocol for 96 glycan samples, including enzymatic N-glycan release, the aforementioned ethyl esterification, glycan enrichment, MALDI target preparation, and the MS(/MS) measurement.

Laser Ablation with Vacuum Capture for MALDI Mass Spectrometry of Tissue.

We have developed a laser ablation sampling technique for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses of in-situ digested tissue proteins. Infrared laser ablation was used to remove biomolecules from tissue sections for collection by vacuum capture and analysis by MALDI. Ablation and transfer of compounds from tissue removes biomolecules from the tissue and allows further analysis of the collected material to facilitate their identification. Laser ablated material was captured in a vacuum aspirated pipette-tip packed with C18 stationary phase and the captured material was dissolved, eluted, and analyzed by MALDI. Rat brain and lung tissue sections 10 μm thick were processed by in-situ trypsin digestion after lipid and salt removal. The tryptic peptides were ablated with a focused mid-infrared laser, vacuum captured, and eluted with an acetonitrile/water mixture. Eluted components were deposited on a MALDI target and mixed with matrix for mass spectrometry analysis. Initial experiments were conducted with peptide and protein standards for evaluation of transfer efficiency: a transfer efficiency of 16% was obtained using seven different standards. Laser ablation vacuum capture was applied to freshly digested tissue sections and compared with sections processed with conventional MALDI imaging. A greater signal intensity and lower background was observed in comparison with the conventional MALDI analysis. Tandem time-of-flight MALDI mass spectrometry was used for compound identification in the tissue.

Direct analysis of lipids from blood using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry

Introduction: Lipids are essential biological pathways involved in metabolism, signalling and energy storing. However, abnormal lipid levels, such as cholesterol, play a crucial role in heart diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Knowing cholesterol levels is therefore essential in monitoring the metabolic functions of the individual and preventing chronic and lethal diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the potential of matrixassisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry as a fast and reliable method for the direct screening of patients. Materials and methods: An aliquot consisting of 15– 20μl of human blood was collected from the finger. Lipids were extracted from blood either by direct extraction or after a preliminary centrifugation and plasma separation. An Axima Performance MALDI-ToF-ToF (Shimadzu, Manchester, UK) equipped with a 337nm nitrogen laser was used in the analysis. Measurements were performed in reflectron positive mode using an acceleration voltage of 20kV. Red phosphorus was used as the calibrant. Results: A method for direct lipid blood analysis was developed and described as follows. A volume of 10μl of blood was mixed 1:1 v/v with a solution of CH3 OH/ CHCl3 (1:1 v/v). The solution was vortexed and left to separate for 10 minutes, resulting in 6μ l of recoverable solution. After we obtained the blood and made the solution, 10μl of blood was centrifuged for 4 minutes (30k relative centrifugal force) and 4μl of plasma recovered. The plasma was then diluted 1:2 v/v with the CH3 OH-CHCl3 solution. Stirring and extraction were carried out as above and 4μl from the organic phase was collected and subjected to MALDI analysis. THAP (2′ ,4′ ,6′ -Trihydroxyacetophenone) (10mg/ml) was dissolved in 7:3 v/v CH3 OH/H2 O (50mMammonium citrate) and used as the matrix. Samples were mixed 1:1 v/v with the matrix solution and 1μl spotted on the MALDI target. Conclusions: By using only 10μ l of blood, it was possible to obtain a fingerprint of plasma lipids for diagnostic assessment.

Identification of Lactobacillus from the saliva of adult patients with caries using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has been presented as a superior method for the detection of microorganisms in body fluid samples (e.g., blood, saliva, pus, etc.) However, the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in routine identification of caries-related Lactobacillus isolates from saliva of adult patients with caries has not been determined. In the present study, we introduced a new MALDI-TOF MS system for identification of lactobacilli. Saliva samples were collected from 120 subjects with caries. Bacteria were isolated and cultured, and each isolate was identified by both 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. The identification results obtained by MALDI-TOF MS were concordant at the genus level with those of conventional 16S rRNA-based sequencing for 88.6% of lactobacilli (62/70) and 95.5% of non-lactobacilli (21/22). Up to 96 results could be obtained in parallel on a single MALDI target, suggesting that this is a reliable high-throughput approach for routine identification of lactobacilli. However, additional reference strains are necessary to increase the sensitivity and specificity of species-level identification.

Intact cell/intact spore mass spectrometry (IC/ISMS) on polymer-based, nano-coated disposable targets

Identification and differentiation of microorganisms has and still is a long arduous task, involving culturing of the organism in question on different growth media. This procedure, which is still commonly applied, is an established method, but takes a lot of time, up to several days or even longer. It has thus been a great achievement when other analytical tools like matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry were introduced for faster analysis based on the surface protein pattern. Differentiation and identification of human pathogens as well as plant/animal pathogens is of increasing importance in medical care (e.g. infection, sepsis, and antibiotics resistance), biotechnology, food sciences and detection of biological warfare agents. A distinction between microorganisms on the species and strain level was made by comparing peptide/protein profiles to patterns already stored in databases. These profiles and patterns were obtained from the surface of vegetative forms of microorganisms or even their spores by MALDI MS. Thus, an unknown sample can be compared against a database of known pathogens or microorganisms of interest.To benefit from newly available, metal-based disposable microscope-slide format MALDI targets that promise a clean and even surface at a fraction of the cost from full metal targets or MTP (microtiter plate) format targets, IC/ISMS analysis was performed on these and the data evaluated. Various types of bacteria as well as fungal spores were identified unambiguously on this disposable new type of metal nano-coated targets. The method even allowed differentiation between strains of the same species. The results were compared with those gained from using full metal standard targets and found to be equal or even better in several aspects, making the use of disposable MALDI targets a viable option for use in IC/ISMS, especially e.g. for large sample throughput and highly pathogenic species.

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry of pollen grains and their mixtures

The fast and univocal identification of different species in mixtures of pollen grains is still a challenge. Apart from microscopic evaluation and Raman spectroscopy, no other techniques are available. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry was applied to the analysis of extracts of single pollen grains and pollen mixtures. Pollen grains were fixed, treated and covered with matrix directly on the MALDI target. Clearly resolved MALDI ion intensity images could be obtained enabling the identification of single pollen grains in a mixture. Our results demonstrate the potential and the suitability of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry as an additional method for the identification of pollen mixtures.

In‐situ enrichment of phosphopeptides on MALDI plates modified by ambient ion landing

We report substantial in-situ enrichment of phosphopeptides in peptide mixtures using titanium and zirconium dioxide-coated matrix assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) plates prepared by recently reported ambient ion landing deposition technique. The technique was able to modify four common materials currently used for MALDI targets (stainless steel, aluminum, indium-tin oxide glass and polymeric anchor chip). The structure of the deposited dioxide was investigated by electron microscopy, and different surfaces were compared and discussed in this study. Two standard proteins were used to test the enrichment capabilities of modified MALDI plates: casein and in-vitro phosphorylated trehalase. The enrichment of casein tryptic digest resulted in identification of 20 phosphopeptides (including miscleavages). Trehalase was used as a suitable model of larger protein that provided more complex peptide mixture after the trypsin digestion. All four possible phosphorylation sites in trehalase were identified and up to seven phosphopetides were found (including methionine oxidations and miscleavages). Two different mass spectrometers, MALDI-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) and MALDI-time of flight, were used to detect the phosphopeptides from modified MALDI plates after the enrichment procedure. It was observed that the desorption-ionization phenomena on the modified surfaces are not critically influenced by the parameters of the different MALDI ion sources (e.g. different pressure, different extraction voltages), and thus the presence of dioxide layer on the standard MALDI plate does not significantly interfere with the main MALDI processes. The detection of phosphopeptides after the enrichment could be done by both instruments. Desorption electrospray ionization coupled to the FTICR was also tested, but, unlike MALDI, it did not provide satisfactory results.

Use of procaine and procainamide as derivatizing co-matrices for the analysis of oligosaccharides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Analysis of oligosaccharides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry often yields only alkali metal cation adducts, which results in lower fragmentation yields and difficulty to retrieve sequence information. Derivatization by reductive amination may be used to promote Y-type glycosidic cleavages. However, this involves time-consuming preparations and purifications with sample loss. Here, procaine and procainamide were used directly as co-matrices with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB). Acidified 10 g/L procaine hydrochloride or procainamide hydrochloride solutions in water/acetonitrile were added to the oligosaccharide solution one minute before preparing our MALDI targets using DHB with the dried-droplet method. This simple protocol resulted in deposits of very fine homogeneous crystals. Positive ion mass spectra, easily acquired in an automated mode, presented a high percentage of oligosaccharides derivatized as Schiff base or glycosylamine notably detected as protonated molecules [M + H](+). The high abundance of procaine or procainamide on the target did not impede the ionization process, improved the signal-to-noise ratio and eliminated the need to search for 'sweet spots'. Fragmentation of the protonated precursor ions of the derivatives largely favored Y-type glycosidic cleavages. This easy and fast sample preparation, involving low toxicity and easily accessible chemicals, allowed the selection of protonated molecules as precursor ions for post-source decay analyses. This opened the possibility of simplifying sequence retrieval in routine oligosaccharide analyses.

Reagent Precoated Targets for Rapid In-Tissue Derivatization of the Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Isoniazid Followed by MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Isoniazid (INH) is an important component of front-line anti-tuberculosis therapy with good serum pharmacokinetics but unknown ability to penetrate tuberculous lesions. However, endogenous background interferences hinder our ability to directly analyze INH in tissues. Chemical derivatization has been successfully used to measure isoniazid directly from tissue samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). MALDI targets were pretreated with trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA) prior to mounting tissue slices. Isoniazid present in the tissues was efficiently derivatized and the INH-CA product measured by MS/MS. Precoating of MALDI targets allows the tissues to be directly thaw-mounted and derivatized, thus simplifying the preparation. A time-course series of tissues from tuberculosis infected/INH dosed animals were assayed and the MALDI MS/MS response correlates well with the amount of INH determined to be in the tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS/MS.

Microscale MALDI Imaging of Outer-Layer Lipids in Intact Egg Chambers fromDrosophila melanogaster

Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is a standard model organism used in genetics and molecular biology. Phospholipids are building blocks of cellular membranes, and components of a complex signaling network. Here, we present a facile method, based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS), for molecular imaging of phospholipid distributions in submillimeter-sized components of the fruit fly reproductive system. Individual egg chambers were deposited on a specially prepared MALDI target comprising an aluminum slide with a rough surface created by ablation with a microsecond-laser: this helped to immobilize biological specimens, remove excess of saline solution by adhesive forces, carry out microscopic observations, and facilitated distribution of the MALDI matrix. A continuous-flow ultrasound-assisted spray was used for the deposition of MALDI matrix (9-aminoacridine) onto the sample. The upper surface of the specimen was then scanned with a 355-nm solid-state laser with a preset beam focus of 10 μm to obtain negative-ion mode MALDI-MS images. Overall, this provided sufficient spatial resolution to reveal micrometer-scale gradient-like patterns of phospholipids along the anterior/posterior axis of egg chambers. Several phosphatidylinositols are seen to be segregated according to the number of unsaturated bonds, with an elevated abundance of polyunsaturated phosphatidylinositols within the oocyte compartment.

Disruption of the Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 Function Affects Protein Networks Essential for Rod Outer Segment Morphogenesis and Survival

Type II Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 (CCT, also known as TCP-1 Ring Complex, TRiC) is a multi-subunit molecular machine thought to assist in the folding of ∼ 10% of newly translated cytosolic proteins in eukaryotes. A number of proteins folded by CCT have been identified in yeast and cultured mammalian cells, however, the function of this chaperonin in vivo has never been addressed. Here we demonstrate that suppressing the CCT activity in mouse photoreceptors by transgenic expression of a dominant-negative mutant of the CCT cofactor, phosducin-like protein (PhLP), results in the malformation of the outer segment, a cellular compartment responsible for light detection, and triggers rapid retinal degeneration. Investigation of the underlying causes by quantitative proteomics identified distinct protein networks, encompassing ∼ 200 proteins, which were significantly affected by the chaperonin deficiency. Notably among those were several essential proteins crucially engaged in structural support and visual signaling of the outer segment such as peripherin 2, Rom1, rhodopsin, transducin, and PDE6. These data for the first time demonstrate that normal CCT function is ultimately required for the morphogenesis and survival of sensory neurons of the retina, and suggest the chaperonin CCT deficiency as a potential, yet unexplored, cause of neurodegenerative diseases.

Focused Electrospray Deposition for Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Focused electrospray (FES) deposition method is presented for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. FES ion optics consists of two cylindrical focusing electrodes capped with a truncated conical electrode through which an electrospray emitter passes along the cylindrical axis. A spray of charged droplets is focused onto a sample well on a MALDI target plate under atmospheric pressure. The shape and size distributions of matrix crystals are visualized by scanning electron microscope and the mass spectra are obtained by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Angiotensin II, bradykinin, and substance P are used as test samples, while α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and dihydroxybenzoic acid are employed as matrices. FES of a sample/matrix mixture produces fine crystal grains on a 1‒3 mm spot and reproducibly yields the mass spectra with little shot-to-shot and spot-to-spot variations. Although FES greatly stabilizes the signals, the space charge due to matrix ions limits the detection sensitivity of peptides. To avoid the space charge problem, we adopted a dual FES/FES mode, which separately deposits matrix and sample by FES in sequence. The dual FES/FES mode reaches the detection sensitivity of 0.88 amol, enabling ultrasensitive detection of peptides by homogeneously depositing matrix and sample under atmospheric pressure.

Phosphopeptide Screening Using Nanocrystalline Titanium Dioxide Films as Affinity Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Targets in Mass Spectrometry

The use of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide films as affinity targets for the selective isolation and enrichment of phosphopeptides with subsequent analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is described. A strong affinity of phosphopeptides to anatase titanium dioxide surfaces is observed, and a standard protocol for the selective isolation and enrichment of phosphopeptides on titanium dioxide films using a proteolytic digest of alpha- and beta-casein was developed. All washing and elution procedures using these films can be processed directly on the MALDI target, thereby avoiding sample contamination and losses. In addition, the enrichment of the phosphopeptides was improved due to a considerable enlargement of the surface. Several film substrates compatible with routine inlet systems of mass spectrometers, as conductive glass, aluminum, and silicon, have been manufactured and tested. A biological application was examined by the human fibrinogen-thrombin system. For a quantification and comparison of different expression levels of phosphoproteins in biological systems, the peptides were labeled with S-methyl thioimidate reagents. The capability of this method for high-throughput applications make the use of mesoporous titanium dioxide films as an affinity MALDI target a promising tool in phosphoproteomics. A combination of an amidation protocol showed that a quantification of phosphorylated peptides can easily be performed using TiO(2) films.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Method for Selectively Producing Either Singly or Multiply Charged Molecular Ions

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is noted for its ability to produce primarily singly charged ions. This is an attribute when using direct ionization for complex mixtures such as protein digests or synthetic polymers. However, the ability to produce multiply charged ions, as with electrospray ionization (ESI), has advantages such as extending the mass range on mass spectrometers with limited mass-to-charge (m/z) range and enhancing fragmentation for structural characterization. We designed and fabricated a novel field free transmission geometry atmopsheric pressure (AP) MALDI source mounted to a high-mass resolution Orbitrap Exactive mass spectrometer. We report the ability to produce at will either singly charged ions or highly charged ions using a MALDI process by simply changing the matrix or the matrix preparation conditions. Mass spectra with multiply charged ions very similar to those obtained with ESI of proteins such as cytochrome c and ubiquitin are obtained with low femtomole amounts applied to the MALDI target plate and for peptides such as angiotensin I and II with application of attomole amounts. Single scan acquisitions produce sufficient ion current even from proteins.

MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Integral Membrane Proteins from Ocular Lens and Retinal Tissue

A tissue preparation protocol for MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) imaging mass spectrometry of integral membrane proteins was developed using ocular lens and retinal tissues as model samples. Frozen bovine and human lenses were cryosectioned equatorially or axially at -20 degrees C into 20 mum-thick tissue sections. Lens sections were mounted onto gold-coated MALDI targets by methanol soft-landing to maintain tissue integrity. Tissue sections underwent extensive water washing to deplete the samples of highly abundant water-soluble proteins. Automated matrix deposition was achieved using an acoustic reagent multispotter, with sinapinic acid as matrix and high percentage acetonitrile as solvent, with a center-to-center spot spacing of 200-300 mum. Molecular images of full-length Aquaporin-0 (AQP0) and its most abundant truncation products were obtained from mass spectral data acquired across whole bovine and human lens sections. In equatorial and axial sections of bovine lenses, full-length AQP0 was detected throughout the lens. A truncation product corresponding to AQP0 (1-260) was detected in the bovine lens core at low abundance. In axial lens sections, no antero-posterior variation was detected. In 11 year-old human lens sections, full-length AQP0 was most abundant in the lens periphery, but was detected throughout the lens. The major truncation product, consisting of AQP0 residues 1-246, was absent from the lens periphery and increased in abundance in the lens core. This tissue preparation protocol was then applied to image the distribution of the G-protein coupled receptor, opsin, in the rabbit retina. This protocol has expanded the variety of target analytes which can be detected by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry to include intact integral membrane proteins.