Overview
Expansion proteomics, exemplified by technologies such as ProteomEx and FAXP, integrates tissue expansion with proteomic profiling to achieve nanoscale spatial resolution. By physically enlarging tissues, it enables detailed protein mapping using conventional imaging and mass spectrometry tools—enhancing both accessibility and analytical depth.
We refer to our series of expansion proteomics technologies as Paoding, inspired by the classical Chinese allegory “庖丁解牛” from Zhuangzi. Just as the butcher dissects effortlessly by understanding the intrinsic structure of the ox, Paoding represents a spatially precise, structurally informed dissection of complex tissues. This metaphor captures our goal: to uncover fine-grained molecular detail while preserving the spatial and biological context.
Publications
Method development
Our first-generation expansion proteomics workflow: ProteomEx.
Nature Communications. 2022 Nov 30;13(1):7242. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-34824-2.
Our second-generation expansion proteomics workflow, Filter-Aided Expansion Proteomics (FAXP), was developed to enhance compatibility, resolution, and throughput.
Nature Communications. 2024 Oct 30;15(1):9378. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-53683-7.
Application
Protocols & Tutorials
Kits, Services & Workshops
Kits
Services
Workshops
Media & Highlights
Media
Technology features
Our expansion proteomics technology was selected by Trends in Biochemical Sciences as a Technology of the Month.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences (2025) doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2025.06.002
Our work on expansion proteomics was highlighted in a Nature Technology Feature article (April 2025).
Nature 640, 556-560 (2025) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-01045-8.
Expansion microscopy was highlighted in a Nature Technology Feature article (January 2025).
Nature 637, 752-754 (2025) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-00059-6
Q & A
1. What is Paoding?
Paoding (庖丁), originating from the ancient Chinese philosophical text Zhuangzi, refers to the legendary butcher known for his ability to dissect an ox with such precision and fluidity that he never needed to sharpen his knife. His skill lay not in brute force, but in understanding the structure—working with the natural separations between bones, tendons, and muscles. In modern metaphor, Paoding represents the pursuit of mastery through deep structural understanding and precise execution.
Inspired by this philosophy, Paoding is the name we give to our expansion proteomics framework—a series of technologies (e.g., ProteomEx, FAXP) that dissect biological complexity with spatial and molecular precision. Like the ancient art of Paoding, our methods aim to "cut through" tissue systems not by destroying them, but by expanding, clarifying, and mapping their inner structures with nanoscale resolution and integrated molecular detail.
2. What types of samples are compatible with FAXP?
FAXP is compatible with paraffin sections, OCT-embedded frozen sections, and vibratome sections. However, it is recommended to mount the sections on slides pretreated with polylysine for optimal adhesion and expansion performance.
3. Can stained samples be expanded?
Yes, stained samples can be expanded using FAXP. Slides stained with HE or immunofluorescence can be directly expanded using FAXP. However, re-staining is necessary after expansion. Currently, samples that have undergone immunohistochemistry—particularly those with strong chromogenic signals—are not suitable for expansion.
4. What staining methods are compatible with expanded samples?
After expansion, the samples can be stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and silver staining. Other staining methods may also be applicable but require further validation.
Contact & Collaboration
Please contact guotiannan@westlake.edu.cn for general inquiries and collaborations.