摘要
A comprehensive understanding of the molecular details at spatial levels within heterogeneous cardiac tissue in heart failure(HF)is paramount for enhancing our knowledge of the pathophysiology of HF and pinpointing potential therapeutic targets.Here,we present an analytical strategy for the deep discovery of heterogeneous metabolism and drug response in the heart tissue of rats with HF using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging(AFADESI-MSI)coupled with bulk RNAsequencing.Spatial metabolomics illustrated pronounced metabolic heterogeneity between the infarct(I),infarct margin(IM),and non-infarct(NI)areas of heart tissue in HF.Integrated transcriptomics showed that increased mRNA expression of ATP citrate lyase disrupted the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle in the NI area.Impairment of the carnitine shuttle system led to a significant accumulation of carnitines,suggesting potential abnormalities in fatty acid(FA)oxidation.Coupling on-tissue chemical derivatization with AFADESI-MSI enabled us to confirm the occurrence of incomplete oxidation of FAs in the NI area.Additionally,we observed a heterogeneous drug response between the anti-HF medications valsartan and Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills(QDP).Valsartan exhibited a more pronounced effect on metabolic regulation in the I area,whereas QDP exerted stronger regulatory effects on metabolism in the NI area.Utilizing this method,four potential therapeutic targets were identified in HF:CPT1A,PDHB,ACLY,and BCAT2,which were preliminarily validated by western blotting.Overall,integrating spatial metabolomics with transcriptomics facilitates comprehensive analyses that link differential metabolites and genes,enabling a more precise characterization of metabolic changes in heart injury microareas and providing effective methods for elucidating molecular mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets for HF.
基金
supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82374158)
National Science and Technology Major Project(No.2018ZX09711001-002-004)
the Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Innovation Team Development Program(No.CXTD22007)
the Medical and Health Technology Innovation Project(No.2022-I2M-1-020).