Jeffrey Spraggins

Highly multiplexed, untargeted MALDI imaging mass spectrometry data reveal the localization of various lipids and metabolites to specific functional regions of the nephron, the kidney's filtering unit (right).

Grants spur efforts to create molecular ‘atlases’ of organs

Vanderbilt researchers have received three grants totaling $13.6 million from the National Institutes of Health to develop molecular “atlases” of the brain, kidney, eye and other tissues.

Bacterial battle in 3D

Using imaging mass spectrometry and microscopy, Vanderbilt researchers visualized how staph bacteria modifies lipids in its membrane to evade immune system-mediated killing.

Molecular imaging of C. diff infection

C. difficile — the leading cause of hospital-associated intestinal infections — induces a rapid influx of bile acids into the gut, which could provide a novel target for blocking infection.

Vanderbilt investigators lead effort to create map of the human kidney

Short of mandating universal diabetes treatment, regular exercise and low-calorie diets, little can be done to stem the rising tide of kidney failure — unless scientists can figure out why exactly the kidney’s filtration units, the glomeruli, stop working.

What protein is that?

An improved technology enables high-throughput protein identification in imaging mass spectrometry, aiding proteomics research.