Spatially resolved distribution of pancreatic hormones proteoforms by MALDI-imaging mass spectrometry.

Zinc plays a crucial role both in the immune system and endocrine processes. Zinc restriction in the diet has been shown to lead to degeneration of the endocrine pancreas, resulting in hormonal imbalance within the β-cells. Proteostasismay vary depending on the stage of a pathophysiological process, which underscores the need for tools aimed at directly analyzing biological status.

Preparation of Hard Palm Seeds for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) is applied to identify compounds in their native environments. Currently, MALDI-IMS is frequently used in clinical analysis. Still, an excellent perspective exists for better applying this technique to understand chemical compounds' physiological information in plant tissues.

The acquisition of thin sections of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seed with elevated potassium content for molecular mapping by mass spectrometry imaging.

Rationale: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) of tissues became popular in the last decade. Consequently, adapting sample preparation methods for different materials turned out to be a pivotal step for successful analysis due to the requirement of sample slices of 12-20 μm thickness. However, acquiring thin sections compatible with MALDI-IMS for unusual samples is challenging, as existing histological protocols may not be suitable, thus requiring new methods.

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Properties in Extracts of Developing Açaí ( Mart.) Seeds.

We investigated changes in the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties in the extracts of developing seeds of açaí (). Four developmental stages were evaluated, with earlier stages displaying higher antioxidant activity and polyphenols content, while mass spectrometry analysis identified procyanidins (PCs) as the major components of the extracts in all stages. B-type PCs varied from dimers to decamers, with A-type linkages in a smaller number.

Endosymbiosis in trypanosomatid protozoa: the bacterium division is controlled during the host cell cycle.

Mutualism is defined as a beneficial relationship for the associated partners and usually assumes that the symbiont number is controlled. Some trypanosomatid protozoa co-evolve with a bacterial symbiont that divides in coordination with the host in a way that results in its equal distribution between daughter cells. The mechanism that controls this synchrony is largely unknown, and its comprehension might provide clues to understand how eukaryotic cells evolved when acquiring symbionts that later became organelles.