Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, analysis of metabolite-protein interactions, and imaging

Biotechniques. 2010 Aug;49(2):557-65. doi: 10.2144/000113451.

Abstract

Our understanding of biology has been greatly improved through recent developments in mass spectrometry, which is providing detailed information on protein and metabolite composition as well as protein-metabolite interactions. The high sensitivity and resolution of mass spectrometry achieved with liquid or gas chromatography allows for detection and quantification of hundreds to thousands of molecules in a single measurement. Where homogenization-based sample preparation and extraction methods result in a loss of spatial information, mass spectrometry imaging technologies provide the in situ distribution profiles of metabolites and proteins within tissues. Mass spectrometry-based analysis of metabolite abundance, protein-metabolite interactions, and spatial distribution of compounds facilitates the high-throughput screening of biochemical reactions, the reconstruction of metabolic networks, biomarker discovery, determination of tissue compositions, and functional annotation of both proteins and metabolites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analytic Sample Preparation Methods
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Metabolome*
  • Metabolomics / methods*
  • Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Proteins