Profiling large numbers of proteins and metabolites provides a high resolution view of the biochemical phenotype. Comparative profiling provides detailed quantitative and qualitative data that are highly valuable in gene validation, gene discovery, mechanistic insight investigations, leading to a better understanding of the cellular response of an organism to external stimuli. Co-analysis of expression profiles with genetic information also provides a unique way to understand gene function and the interrelationships between genes.

As indicated by the lab’s name, a primary focus of TIMPL is the development and application of mass spectrometry-based tissue imaging techniques, also called mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) or imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), in the biological and life sciences, with a goal to further our understanding of metabolic processes within all types of organisms, from animals to plants to microbes, at the tissue and potentially cellular level. We hope to eventually be able to apply such techniques to monitor biochemical processes at the subcellular level once the technology achieves high enough spatial resolution.

TIMPL’s Mission is to:

• Provide high quality analytical support to research projects both within WSU and in the surrounding scientific community that will significantly benefit from applications of contemporary mass spectrometry techniques
• Develop advanced methods and scientific applications
• Provide education/research outreach to students from K-12 to advanced degrees