MALDI-MSI spatially maps N-glycan alterations to histologically distinct pulmonary pathologies following irradiation

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 14;10(1):11559. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-68508-y.

Abstract

Radiation-induced lung injury is a highly complex combination of pathological alterations that develop over time and severity of disease development is dose-dependent. Following exposures to lethal doses of irradiation, morbidity and mortality can occur due to a combination of edema, pneumonitis and fibrosis. Protein glycosylation has essential roles in a plethora of biological and immunological processes. Alterations in glycosylation profiles have been detected in diseases ranging from infection, inflammation and cancer. We utilized mass spectrometry imaging to spatially map N-glycans to distinct pathological alterations during the clinically latent period and at 180 days post-exposure to irradiation. Results identified alterations in a number of high mannose, hybrid and complex N-glycans that were localized to regions of mucus and alveolar-bronchiolar hyperplasia, proliferations of type 2 epithelial cells, accumulations of macrophages, edema and fibrosis. The glycosylation profiles indicate most alterations occur prior to the onset of clinical symptoms as a result of pathological manifestations. Alterations in five N-glycans were identified as a function of time post-exposure. Understanding the functional roles N-glycans play in the development of these pathologies, particularly in the accumulation of macrophages and their phenotype, may lead to new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of radiation-induced lung injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Edema / metabolism
  • Glycosylation
  • Inflammation
  • Lung / radiation effects*
  • Lung Injury / microbiology*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Macrophages
  • Macrophages, Alveolar / radiation effects*
  • Male
  • Mannose
  • Phenotype
  • Pneumonia / metabolism
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / metabolism
  • Radiation Injuries / metabolism*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Substances

  • Polysaccharides
  • Mannose