Observe Multiple Types of Cell Membrane Proteins Simultaneously

An image of synaptic proteins located in the 'CA1' region of the rat hippocampal tissue, imaged using the SIMS analysis method.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have developed a technology that can simultaneously observe multiple types of cell membrane proteins. This technology is expected to contribute to elucidating the mechanisms of complex diseases and enabling early diagnosis by monitoring changes in multiple proteins.

The Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) announced that a joint research team, including Distinguished Professor Daewon Moon from the Department of New Biology and Professor Suil In from the Department of Energy Engineering, has developed the world's first mass spectrometry bioimaging technology capable of simultaneously observing and analyzing various types of cell membrane proteins.

The research team developed a technology to observe cell membrane proteins using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), which detects trace impurities using accelerated ions. Given that SIMS can analyze dozens of types of metal oxides, they conjugated metal oxide nanoparticles, sized in tens of nanometers, to antibodies, enabling real-time analysis by binding with proteins.

The team applied this technology to the hippocampal tissue of an Alzheimer's disease model mouse. As a result, they were able to simultaneously observe images of seven proteins reported to be involved in Alzheimer's disease. They also elucidated how the distribution of various proteins changes as Alzheimer's disease progresses.

Currently, commonly used bioimaging techniques involve labeling proteins with fluorescent substances for observation. However, due to limitations in optical technology, only about three to four types of proteins can be analyzed.

Distinguished Professor Daewon Moon stated, "Through the technology developed this time, we increased the number of protein molecules that can be imaged compared to existing fluorescence spectral imaging techniques, and by utilizing the high SIMS sensitivity of metal oxide nanoparticles, we minimized sample damage, enabling observation of protein interactions on the cell membrane." He added, "This will be a new bioimaging technology that contributes to research on complex disease mechanisms involving multiple proteins."

The research results were published as a cover paper in the June 15 issue of the international scientific journal 'ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.'

Moon Daewon, Distinguished Professor of New Biology (left), In Suil, Professor of Energy Engineering (top right), Park Youngho, Ph.D. candidate in Energy Engineering.

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