Spatially resolved sampling for untargeted metabolomics: A new tool for salivomics

• Published in: iScience 2021-07, Vol.24 (7), p.102768-102768, Article 102768
• Main Authors: Ciurli, Alessio, Liebl, Maximiliam, Derks, Rico.J.E., Neefjes, Jacques J.C., Giera, Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry; Saliva; Salivomics; Spatially resolved sampling; Untargeted metabolomics
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102768

Saliva is a complex bodily fluid composed of metabolites secreted by major and minor glands, as well as by-products of host oral cells, oral bacteria, gingival crevicular fluid, and exogenous compounds. Major salivary glands include the paired parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The secreted fluids of the salivary glands vary in composition, flow rate, site of release, and clearance suggesting that different types of saliva fulfill different functions and therefore can provide unique biological information. Consequently, for the comprehension of the functionality of the salivary components, spatially resolved investigations are warranted. To understand and comprehensively map the highly heterogeneous environment of the oral cavity, advanced spatial sampling techniques for metabolomics analysis are needed. Here, we present a systematic evaluation of collection devices for spatially resolved sampling aimed at untargeted metabolomics and propose a comprehensive and reproducible collection and analysis protocol for the spatially resolved analysis of the human oral metabolome. [Display omitted] •Systematic evaluation of collection devices for untargeted metabolomics of saliva•Spatially resolved sampling of saliva in the human oral cavity•Enabling location-specific oral metabolomics Body substance sample; Metabolomics; Omics