Sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant tumours that arise from mesenchymal tissues. They lack well-defined molecular markers, making diagnosis and treatment particularly challenging. While glycans and their associated glycoproteins play vital roles in tumour progression, their precise spatial distribution in sarcoma tissues remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, we aim to develop an integrated workflow that uses matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry for high-resolution glycan mapping, combined with laser-capture microdissection (LCM) of regions of interest followed by glycoproteomic analysis.
Tissue sections are prepared and enzymatically treated directly on slides to allow glycan visualisation via MALDI imaging. This is to identify distinct glycan profiles and highlight regions of interest, which are then microdissected using LCM. The isolated tissue regions undergo mass spectrometry–based glycoproteomic profiling to identify the key proteins carrying these glycans.
The high-resolution mapping of glycans and glycoproteins may facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers and improve our understanding of sarcoma biology. With its potential for automation and scalability, this integrated approach could advance precision oncology by informing accurate diagnosis and revealing molecular targets for personalised therapy.