Precision mapping of the metabolome.
The global study of the structure and dynamics of metabolic networks has been hindered by a lack of techniques that identify metabolites and their biochemical relationship in complex mixtures. The recent application of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) to metabolomic analysis suggests a way to tackle the problem. A lower-cost alternative to high-field FTICR-MS, the Orbitrap mass analyzer, promises accelerated activity in this area. Here, we show how the ultra-high mass accuracy and resolution provided by this new generation of mass spectrometers can help to identify metabolites and connect them into metabolic networks. Data from perturbation studies and isotope-tracking experiments can complement this information to create metabolic maps de novo and chart unexplored areas of metabolism.
Breitling
Rainer
R
Groningen Bioinformatics Centre, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9751 NN Haren, The Netherlands. r.breitling@rug.nl
Pitt
Andrew R
AR
Barrett
Michael P
MP
D000465:Algorithms; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D010449:Peptide Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D020543:Proteome / Q000378:metabolism*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods*
D020543:Proteome