A comprehensive data processing and visualization software for MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometric data

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI IMS) is a promising new technology for visualizing the spatial distribution of analytes viz., proteins, peptides, lipids, drug candidate compounds and biomarkers present in a sampled tissue section. It enables researchers to visualize multiple molecular distributions across the surface of a sample without the need for chemical labels or antibodies. MALDI IMS has been increasingly used for candidate biomarker discovery, drug metabolite profiling, lipid analysis and proteomics. MALDI IMS contributes significantly to disease diagnosis and is now being used to address a number of clinical questions in diseases such as cancer and organ development.

To apply this technology for clinical purposes, it is essential to develop a computationally powerful data processing and visualization informatics tool which can aid in successful analysis of the large data files obtained during an experimental run.

MALDIVision, a comprehensive bioinformatics tool for MALDI IMS technology, facilitates data processing, visualization and analysis of spatial distribution of individual ions across the sampled locations on a tissue section. The program accepts imaging mass spectrometric data in different standard file formats. MALDIVision generates an ion intensity map for any m/z in the analyzed range, enabling simultaneous imaging of many compounds. Users can view images in 2-D and in 3-D. The program also facilitates users to display the reconstituted images as well as the optical image in different color gradients, so as investigate the localization of compounds present in a sample.

MALDIVision employs a host of other additional features such as selection of regions of interest, display of mass spectra at a specific location within the tissue section and image manipulation tools to display images in various views. With the aid of these features carved into a user-friendly interface, MALDIVision enables users to identify regions of biological significance and analyze spatial distribution as well as concentration of peptides, lipids and metabolites in tissue compartments.