The article describes an integrated experimental and computational approach to map spatial metabolic gradients in mouse liver and small intestine. Researchers developed a deep-learning algorithm, MET-MAP, used with MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and isotope tracing to achieve high-resolution mapping of metabolite concentrations and metabolic activity along key anatomical axes. This methodology revealed that over 90% of measured metabolites exhibit significant spatial concentration gradients in both organs, correlating with regional metabolic demands and enzyme localization. A major finding was the differential processing of the dietary sugar fructose, which causes localized ATP depletion in the pericentral region of the liver.

References:

• Samarah L Z, Zheng C, Xing X, et al. Spatial metabolic gradients in the liver and small intestine[J]. Nature, 2025: 1-9.