Spatial metabolomics: design, pitfalls and data interpretation
Abstract
Metabolic heterogeneity across scales is a key driver of biological and physiological processes from tissues down to single cells. Recent advances in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allow researchers to map metabolic gradients and centres of activity in intact tissues otherwise masked in bulk analyses. This Comment provides a practical guide to spatial metabolomics, discussing technical challenges and their resolution from experimental design to sample preparation and data analysis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies
Health
Environment
Cognitive Aging
Gut microbiota and health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The EMBO Journal
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 4007–4013
- Publication date
- 2 May 2026
- Language
- EN