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. 2025:2855:523-535.
doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4116-3_28.

In Situ Isotope Tracing at Single-Cell Resolution Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Rosalie G J Rietjens  1   2   3 , Bram Heijs  4   5
Affiliations

In Situ Isotope Tracing at Single-Cell Resolution Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Rosalie G J Rietjens et al. Methods Mol Biol. 2025.

Abstract

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows for label-free spatial molecular interrogation of tissues. With advances in the field over recent years, the spatial resolution at which MSI data can be recorded has reached the single-cell level. This makes MSI complementary to other single-cell omics technologies. As metabolism is a highly dynamic process, capturing the metabolic turnover adds a valuable layer of information. Here, we describe how to set up in situ stable isotope tracing followed by MSI-enabled spatial metabolomics to perform dynamic metabolomics at the single-cell level.

Keywords: Isotope tracing; Mass spectrometry imaging; Tissue metabolomics; Vibratome sectioning.

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