Region-specific quantitation of glycosphingolipids in the elderly human brain with Nanoflow MEA Chip Q/ToF mass spectrometry.

Glycosphingolipids are a unique class of bioactive lipids responsible for lateral membrane organization and signaling found in high abundance in the central nervous system. Using nanoflow MEA Chip Q/ToF mass spectrometry, we profiled the intact glycosphingolipids of the elderly human brain in a region-specific manner. By chromatographic separation of glycan and ceramide isomers, we determined gangliosides to be the highest source of heterogeneity between regions with the expression of a- and b-series glycan structures. Investigation of these trends showed that specific glycan structures were, in part, determined by the structure of their lipid backbone. This study provides insight into the dynamic process of membrane remodeling in the brain during aging.