Single-cell mapping of lipid metabolites using an infrared probe in human-derived model systems.

TitleSingle-cell mapping of lipid metabolites using an infrared probe in human-derived model systems.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsBai Y, Camargo CM, Glasauer SMK, Gifford R, Tian X, Longhini AP, Kosik KS
JournalNat Commun
Volume15
Issue1
Pagination350
Date Published2024 Jan 08
ISSN2041-1723
KeywordsAstrocytes, Azides, Brain, Humans, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Lipids
Abstract

Understanding metabolic heterogeneity is the key to uncovering the underlying mechanisms of metabolic-related diseases. Current metabolic imaging studies suffer from limitations including low resolution and specificity, and the model systems utilized often lack human relevance. Here, we present a single-cell metabolic imaging platform to enable direct imaging of lipid metabolism with high specificity in various human-derived 2D and 3D culture systems. Through the incorporation of an azide-tagged infrared probe, selective detection of newly synthesized lipids in cells and tissue became possible, while simultaneous fluorescence imaging enabled cell-type identification in complex tissues. In proof-of-concept experiments, newly synthesized lipids were directly visualized in human-relevant model systems among different cell types, mutation status, differentiation stages, and over time. We identified upregulated lipid metabolism in progranulin-knockdown human induced pluripotent stem cells and in their differentiated microglia cells. Furthermore, we observed that neurons in brain organoids exhibited a significantly lower lipid metabolism compared to astrocytes.

DOI10.1038/s41467-023-44675-0
Alternate JournalNat Commun
PubMed ID38191490
PubMed Central IDPMC10774263
Grant ListP30 AG066444 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
U54 NS100717 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
P01 AG026276 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P01 AG003991 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P50 AG005681 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States