metabolomics analysis

Metabolomics services are defined as the comprehensive analysis of small molecules (metabolites) present in a biological sample. These molecules are typically the end products of enzymatic reactions and biological pathways and can provide valuable insight into the physiological and biochemical processes of a biological system. Metabolomics services involve the isolation, characterization, and quantification of metabolites from a variety of biological samples, including blood, urine, cells, or tissue. The services are commonly used to identify biomarkers for disease, evaluate the effects of drugs or other treatments on a biological system, or investigate the metabolic pathways of a species.

The metabolome represents the complete set of metabolites in a biological cell, tissue, organ, or organism, which are the end products of cellular processes. Messenger RNA (mRNA), gene expression data, and proteomic analyses reveal the set of gene products being produced in the cell, data that represents one aspect of cellular function. Conversely, metabolic profiling can give an instantaneous snapshot of the physiology of that cell, and thus, metabolomics provides a direct “functional readout of the physiological state” of an organism.

There are indeed quantifiable correlations between the metabolome and the other cellular ensembles (genome, transcriptome, proteome, and lipidome), which can be used to predict metabolite abundances in biological samples from, for example mRNA abundances. One of the ultimate challenges of systems biology is to integrate metabolomics with all other -omics information to provide a better understanding of cellular biology.

Compared with transcriptomics and proteomics, metabolomics has the following advantages:

– Ease of detection: Metabolomics amplifies small changes in gene and protein expression, making detection easy.
-Database support: The research of metabolomics does not require the establishment of whole genome sequencing and a large number of expressed sequence tags (EST) or whole genome databases. Currently, there are many compound libraries that can be used.
– Generic: Since a given metabolite is the same in every tissue, the techniques used in the study are generic and acceptable.
– Direct results: metabolites can reflect the physiological and pathological states of biological systems, and can distinguish phenotypic differences between individuals of the same species, etc.

There are generally two main approaches to metabolomic analysis:

-Untargeted metabolomics
-Targeted metabolomics

Metabolomics Services Analytical technologies

Metabolomics services involve a number of different techniques and technologies, including mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography (LC), and gas chromatography (GC). Analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) are also used to separate and identify metabolites.

In order to accurately analyze and quantify metabolites, a metabolomics service provider must have a thorough understanding of the biological pathways and metabolic processes involved. This requires a comprehensive knowledge of the various biochemical, enzymatic, and metabolic pathways that are active in the organism being studied. In addition, the service provider must be familiar with the various analytical techniques used to isolate and quantify metabolites.

First, samples are collected from tissue, plasma, urine, saliva, cells, etc. Next, metabolites extracted often with the addition of internal standards and derivatization. During sample analysis, metabolites are quantified (liquid chromatography or gas chromatography coupled with MS and/or NMR spectroscopy). The raw output data can be used for metabolite feature extraction and further processed before statistical analysis (such as PCA). Many bioinformatic tools and software are available to identify associations with disease states and outcomes, determine significant correlations, and characterize metabolic signatures with existing biological knowledge.

After a sample has been collected and prepared for analysis, the metabolites must be isolated and identified. This is typically done using either LC or GC coupled with mass spectrometry. In LC/MS, the sample is loaded onto a column and the metabolites are separated and identified using an ionization source. In GC/MS, the sample is vaporized and then separated and identified using an ionization source.

Once the metabolites are isolated and identified, they must be quantified to determine their concentrations. This is done using a variety of techniques, such as isotope dilution analysis or stable isotope labeling. Once the concentrations of the metabolites have been determined, they can be compared to reference values to identify any changes in the metabolic profile of the sample.

AxisPharm metabolomics analysis solutions include:

  1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS): Commonly used for targeted analysis of water-soluble metabolites (requiring derivatization), some lipids, and organic acids.
  2. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS): untargeted metabolomics, targeted metabolomics, untargeted lipidomics, targeted lipidomics. Commonly used for targeted and non-targeted analysis of water-soluble small molecules such as amino acids, carbohydrates, alcohols, organic acids, amines, TCA cycle intermediates, and lipid macromolecules
  3. NMR Spectroscopy: commonly used for substance identification and analysis of simple or purified samples

*Except for easy-to-handle samples such as blood and serum, samples from cells, tissues, organs or bacteria can be subjected to metabolomic analysis.

Applications of Metabolomics Services:

Metabolomics services are an important tool for researchers in many fields, including biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and nutrition. They provide valuable insight into the physiological and biochemical processes of a biological system, allowing researchers to better understand the underlying mechanisms of disease and develop more effective treatments.

Metabolomics services are also increasingly being used in clinical settings. For example, metabolomics studies can be used to identify biomarkers for various diseases, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. This information can then be used to diagnose and treat patients more effectively. In addition, metabolomics services can be used to monitor the effects of drugs or other treatments on a patient’s metabolism and provide valuable information about the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

Metabolomics services are also being used to investigate the metabolic pathways of different species. This can provide valuable information about the metabolic pathways of a species and help researchers to develop new drugs or treatments.

Metabolomics services involve a variety of techniques and technologies and require a thorough understanding of the biological pathways and metabolic processes involved in order to accurately analyze and quantify metabolites. These services are an invaluable tool for researchers in many fields and are increasingly being used in clinical settings to diagnose and treat various diseases.

Our metabolomics services can be applied to various fields, including but not limited to the agricultural industry, food industry, biomedical area, and pharmaceutical area.

Agricultural industry: plant metabolomics, the development of new pesticides, etc
Food industry: fruits, vegetables, dairy products, olive oil, etc
Biomedical area: metabolomic profiling, biomarker discovery, etc
Pharmaceutical area: drug toxicity, drug metabolism, etc

Our Metabolomics Services Advantages

The compounds we test are widely covered, ranging from small water-soluble molecules to large lipids.
We can analyze any biological materials, including but not limited to biofluids and tissues from animals, cell cultures and humans.
A comprehensive platform contains advanced instruments, including MS, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, and so on.
A complete analysis report is offered, including method interpretation, data, and result files.
Our experts with years of experience in metabolomics analysis, bioinformatics, statistics and various application fields ranging from food to pharmacy can help you plan, conduct, and report your metabolomics studies. Whether you want to study the whole metabolome, complex lipids, or just a few metabolites or pathways, we will closely work with you to define research purpose and develop customized plans. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Send Request