Combining ToF-SIMS imaging mass spectrometry and CARS microspectroscopy reveals lipid patterns reminiscent of gene expression patterns in the wing imaginal disc of Drosophila melanogaster

Using label-free ToF-SIMS imaging mass spectrometry, we generated a map of small molecules differentially expressed in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. The distributions of these moieties were in line with gene expression patterns observed during wing imaginal disc development. Combining ToF-SIMS imaging and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) microspectroscopy allowed us to locally identify acylglycerols as the main constituents of the pattern differentiating the future body wall tissue from the wing blade tissue. The findings presented herein clearly demonstrate that lipids localization patterns are strongly correlated with a developmental gene expression. From this correlation we hypothesize that lipids play a so far unrecognized role in organ development