Spatial metabolomics shows contrasting phosphonolipid distributions in tissues of marine bivalves

ABSTRACT:

Lipids are an integral part of cellular membranes, vary between species, and allow cells to alter stiffness, permeability and curvature. Among lipids, phosphonolipids uniquely contain a phosphonate bond between carbon and phosphorous. Despite this distinctive biochemical characteristic, few models explore the biological role of phosphonolipids. A protective function has been inferred based on chemical and biological stability. The function of a tissue ultimately depends on its chemical makeup. Thus if the function of a tissue is known, for example, the barrier function of exposed epithelial cells, the function of an associated metabolite can be inferred. To investigate possible functions of phosphonolipids we analyzed two species of marine mollusks, the blue mussel Mytilus edulis and pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, and determined the diversity of phosphonolipids and their distribution in different organs. High resolution spatial metabolomics revealed that the lipidome varies significantly between tissues within one organ. Despite their chemical similarity, the heterogeneity of the phosphonolipids within the lipid landscape likely reflects a functional diversity of the tissue. While some phosphonolipids are ubiquitously distributed, others are present almost exclusively in the ciliated epithelial cells. The exclusive localization of certain phosphonolipids in tissues exposed to the environment supports the hypothesis of a protective function in mollusks. This study highlights that the tissue specific distribution of an individual metabolite can be a valuable tool in inferring its function.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - alternating - reverse phase, MS Imaging -

SUBMITTER: Manuel Liebeke 

PROVIDER: MTBLS2960 | MetaboLights | 2022-06-26

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights