CRC TRR 332 - Z01: Visualizing neutrophils in context

Basic data for this project

Description

Neutrophils are key mediators of the immune response, engaging in both local and systemic communication. They interact with neighbouring cells and distant immune compartments, influencing their lifespan, functional state, and activation. This crosstalk involves diverse molecular classes, including lipids, metabolites, nucleic acids, and peptides and their respective receptors. In the first funding period, we have established a platform that facilitates the analysis of neutrophils in their habitat using state of the art Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) for the analysis of lipids and multiplex microscopyIn the second funding period, we will advance in situ molecular profiling of neutrophils and their microenvironment using MALDI-MSI to include metabolites and signalling molecules. Multiplex microscopy is extended to multiplex RNA analysis via FISH. Both spatial methods are complemented by Deep Visual Proteomics (DVP), using laser microdissection combined with low-input liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of tissue-derived neutrophils and areas. Finally, we implement single-cell lipidomic and proteomic analyses of both circulating and tissue-resident neutrophils. Thus, this central project provides state-of-the-art imaging modalities and serves as a platform to visualize and analyse context-dependent neutrophil biology.