Spatial Molecular Imaging of Brain Tissue: Connecting Gene Programs to the Molecules They Produce

How can spatial molecular imaging reveal what is happening in the brain? Join us for a seminar exploring how MALDI mass spectrometry imaging can complement spatial transcriptomics by connecting gene programs to the molecules they produce.

The session will highlight how spatial molecular imaging can map lipids, N-glycans, metabolites, neuropeptides, and modified proteins directly from tissue while preserving their anatomical context. Attendees will learn how combining MALDI imaging with transcriptomic maps can provide a more complete view of molecular activity in nervous tissue and help uncover chemical differences between cells with similar transcript profiles.

The talk will also explore how trapped ion mobility adds collision cross section as a second coordinate alongside mass, helping distinguish isobaric species and improve molecular identification. Practical considerations including sample preparation, lipid and glycan annotation, pixel size and acquisition time, and registration between imaging and transcriptomic datasets will also be discussed.

The session will conclude with an open discussion about applications in neuroscience, spatial biology, and opportunities to integrate complementary molecular imaging approaches into your research.

Connect with colleagues and learn about the latest advances in spatial molecular imaging and genomics technologies.

Seats are limited. Reserve your spot today:

https://humangenetics.ucsf.edu/tech-seminar-series-bruker

We encourage you to share this invitation with colleagues and collaborators who may be interested. We look forward to seeing you!