Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagents and their use for elemental imaging mass spectrometry of biological samples. The embodiments comprising methods for quantifying one or more analytes within a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) providing the sample, wherein the one or more analytes are immobilized to a sample carrier, wherein the sample has been labelled with one or more mass tags comprising one or more labelling atoms, (b) performing mass cytometry on the sample to determine the level of the one or more labelling atoms, wherein the level of the one or more labelling atoms corresponds to the copy number of the one or more analytes.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods and devices for molecular cytometry. The molecular cytometer is for use in the analysis of molecular tag labeled particles. In the molecular cytometer, volatile molecular tags attached to the particles, such as cells, are released as groups of molecular tags and ionized by the method of soft ionization to produce corresponding groups of molecular ions. The molecular cytometer has two detectors, one to detect the presence of the groups of molecular ions and the other to detect mobility separated molecular ions. The mobility separated molecular ions are synchronized to correspond with the groups of molecular ions.
Abstract:
A lyophilized antibody panel is disclosed for interrogation using elemental analysis. The antibody panel includes multiple antibodies each element-tagged or element-labelled with one or more isotopes such that each different antibody is isotopically distinguishable from the other antibodies. Each element tag can include one or more unique isotopes or unique combinations of isotopes. The set of element-tagged antibodies can be lyophilized in admixture. Thus, the lyophilized element-tagged antibody panel can be easily and efficiently resuspended and mixed with a sample prior to interrogation with an elemental analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. This lyophilized element-tagged antibody panel can provide the benefits of an element-tagged assay while also being easy to use and remaining stable for long durations.
Abstract:
In certain embodiments, a method of detection includes providing cells labeled with a first element tag bound to a target RNA sequence and a second element tag bound to a target protein. The method may further include ionizing a cell, or a portion thereof, to produce an ionized first and second element tag, and simultaneously detecting the ionized first and second element tag. The ionization may be performed by an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch. The method may further comprise nebulizing the cells in suspension prior to ionizing. In certain embodiments, the ionized first and second element tag may be detected by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Additional methods, and systems and reagents for simultaneous detection of RNA and protein by mass spectrometry are also described.
Abstract:
Methods and kits for gene expression analysis are disclosed. The methods utilize element-tagged oligonucleotides as probes which are subsequently analyzed by elemental analysis. Also disclosed are methods and kits for the analysis of biological molecules using element labeled supports such as beads, followed by elemental analysis. The elemental analysis can be done using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).