Statistical methods and resources for biomarker discovery using metabolomics

BMC Bioinformatics. 2023 Jun 15;24(1):250. doi: 10.1186/s12859-023-05383-0.

Abstract

Metabolomics is a dynamic tool for elucidating biochemical changes in human health and disease. Metabolic profiles provide a close insight into physiological states and are highly volatile to genetic and environmental perturbations. Variation in metabolic profiles can inform mechanisms of pathology, providing potential biomarkers for diagnosis and assessment of the risk of contracting a disease. With the advancement of high-throughput technologies, large-scale metabolomics data sources have become abundant. As such, careful statistical analysis of intricate metabolomics data is essential for deriving relevant and robust results that can be deployed in real-life clinical settings. Multiple tools have been developed for both data analysis and interpretations. In this review, we survey statistical approaches and corresponding statistical tools that are available for discovery of biomarkers using metabolomics.

Keywords: Analytical workflow; Metabolomics; Metabolomics tools; Multivariate; Statistical methods; Univariate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Data Analysis
  • Humans
  • Metabolome / genetics
  • Metabolomics* / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers