This study aims to validate Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) as a tool to improve our understanding of canine neurodegenerative (ND) and neuroinflammatory diseases (NI) to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Canine meningoencephalitides of unknown origin (MUO) are a group of neuroinflammatory diseases with poorly understood etiology. Therapeutic options are limited and largely palliative. Affected dogs typically present with severe, acute-onset neurologic signs that can rapidly lead to euthanasia or require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. These challenges highlight the need for better-tailored treatments.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a species-agnostic spatial metabolomics method that has revealed key metabolic alterations in human ND/NI diseases. Both canine and human ND/NI diseases are defined by the accumulation of byproducts and proteins that result from dysregulated cell metabolism. Thus, we aim to flip the script and leverage advances made in human ND/NI disease research to benefit canine patients. Using collected canine brain tissue within normal limits, this study aims to map the structural lipids and glycogen employing MALDI-MSI analysis. The analysis will be performed on fresh frozen and FFPE tissue sections, aiming at specific neuroanatomic areas; identified molecules will be correlated with the microanatomy.

MALDI-MSI analysis of the canine brain will uncover geographical landmarks of specific structural lipids and glycogen. As dysregulation of such molecules is responsible for a variety of ND/NI conditions, this mapping will provide a baseline to consider diagnostic and therapeutic targets for specific conditions.