Mass Spectrometry Research Center

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.

Imaging host-pathogen battle for metal

An unprecedented view of bacterial products within infected tissues opens new opportunities to explore infection biology and devise novel therapeutic strategies.

What protein is that?

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

New imaging approach offers unprecedented views of staph infection

A new integrated imaging approach makes it possible to probe the molecules involved in invasive infections and can be broadly applied to any health or disease state.

VUMC investigators find pathogens work together to infect host

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus — two pathogens that frequently co-infect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis — appear to cooperate with each other, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. When pseudomonas is starved for metal by the host, it shuts down the production of factors that would normally kill staph, promoting a co-infection.