Detection of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor,Amphiregulin and Epiregulin in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Human Placenta Tissue by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging

The study of the expression and the tissue distribution of the tyrosine kinase drug-target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is of interest in oncology as a marker of potential efficacy of treatment. It has been reported, however, that the response rates to anti-EGFR drugs are poorly linked to its expression. Clinical studies have also revealed a patient response correlation with the expression levels of two EGFR ligands; amphiregulin and epiregulin. Here, we report the development of a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging methodology for the study of EGFR, epiregulin and amphiregulin distribution in formalin fixed paraffin embedded human placental tissue and a comparison to expression patterns obtained by immunohiostochemistry. Using on-tissue digests and imaging of specific peptides, the tissue distribution of these proteins has been obtained down to 30 μm spatial resolution.