Summary
Large-scale measurement of small metabolites to profile the physiological state of cells and tissues.
In depth
Platforms: mass spectrometry and NMR measure hundreds to thousands of metabolites. Applications: biomarkers, disease diagnosis, nutrition studies and plant biology. Data analysis uses multivariate statistics.
Metabolomics provides a snapshot of metabolism. Untargeted approaches find unknowns; targeted measures specific compounds.
Example: blood metabolites predict diabetes risk years ahead.
Metabolomics is the large-scale study of small molecules (metabolites, under about 1,500 Da) in cells, tissues or fluids, giving a snapshot of physiological state that reflects genes, environment, diet and disease. It is downstream of the genome, transcriptome and proteome.
Main platforms are nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry coupled to gas or liquid chromatography. Approaches may be targeted (measuring specific metabolites) or untargeted (discovering unknowns). Data analysis uses multivariate statistics and databases such as HMDB. Applications include biomarker discovery, newborn screening, nutrition, drug toxicity and plant science.
Example: raised phenylalanine in a heel-prick test detects phenylketonuria.
Key idea: metabolites are closest to the phenotype.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metabolomics?
Large-scale measurement of small metabolites to profile the physiological state of cells and tissues.
Which area of biology covers Metabolomics, and how advanced is it?
Metabolomics is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Metabolic Flux Analysis, Systems Biology of Metabolism, Hormonal Control of Metabolism.
Can you give an example of Metabolomics?
Newborn screening measures metabolites to detect disorders.
What should I learn before Metabolomics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics first, such as Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP, then return to Metabolomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Metabolomics?
The closest topics to Metabolomics are Metabolic Flux Analysis, Systems Biology of Metabolism, Hormonal Control of Metabolism, Metabolic Syndrome. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Metabolomics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Metabolomics. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Metabolomics different from Metabolic Flux Analysis?
Metabolomics: Large-scale measurement of small metabolites to profile the physiological state of cells and tissues. Metabolic Flux Analysis: Uses isotope tracers and models to measure reaction rates through metabolic networks. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Metabolomics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Metabolic Flux Analysis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.