Addressing the current bottlenecks of metabolomics: Isotopic Ratio Outlier Analysis™, an isotopic-labeling technique for accurate biochemical profiling

Bioanalysis. 2012 Sep;4(18):2303-14. doi: 10.4155/bio.12.202.

Abstract

Metabolomics or biochemical profiling is a fast emerging science; however, there are still many associated bottlenecks to overcome before measurements will be considered robust. Advances in MS resolution and sensitivity, ultra pressure LC-MS, ESI, and isotopic approaches such as flux analysis and stable-isotope dilution, have made it easier to quantitate biochemicals. The digitization of mass spectrometers has simplified informatic aspects. However, issues of analytical variability, ion suppression and metabolite identification still plague metabolomics investigators. These hurdles need to be overcome for accurate metabolite quantitation not only for in vitro systems, but for complex matrices such as biofluids and tissues, before it is possible to routinely identify biomarkers that are associated with the early prediction and diagnosis of diseases. In this report, we describe a novel isotopic-labeling method that uses the creation of distinct biochemical signatures to eliminate current bottlenecks and enable accurate metabolic profiling.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Body Fluids / chemistry
  • Carbon Isotopes / analysis
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods
  • Humans
  • Isotope Labeling / methods*
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Metabolomics / methods*
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Reference Standards

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Nitrogen Isotopes