What is metabolomic sequencing

Metabolomics sequencing is a method that uses high-throughput technology to study the composition of intracellular metabolites and related metabolic pathways. These small molecule metabolite products play key roles in physiological and pathological processes of organisms. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis of metabolites, metabolomic sequencing can reveal the mechanism of intracellular metabolic regulation and thereby understand the overall metabolic status of organisms.

1. Technical principles

Metabolomics sequencing technology usually involves the following key steps:

1. Sample preparation: Extract metabolites from tissues, cells or biological fluids. This typically includes steps such as cell dissociation, release of metabolites, and purification of extracts.

2. Metabolite detection: Use advanced instruments such as mass spectrometers and chromatographs to detect and identify metabolites. These instruments can measure characteristic parameters such as mass-to-charge ratio and retention time of metabolites to determine their molecular weight and structure.

3. Data analysis: Process, compare and quantitatively analyze the detected metabolite data. This includes steps such as denoising, correction, and normalization to improve the accuracy and reliability of the data. Subsequently, the sequencing data are compared with databases to identify and annotate metabolites and further analyze the activities and regulatory mechanisms of metabolic pathways.

2. Precautions

Sample collection and storage: Samples should be ensured to be free from contamination during collection and stored under appropriate conditions to prevent metabolite degradation.

Selection of detection methods: An appropriate detection method should be selected based on the research purpose and sample characteristics, and the accuracy and stability of the selected method should be ensured.

Data analysis and interpretation: During the data analysis process, attention should be paid to selecting appropriate statistical methods and data processing software to obtain reliable results. At the same time, the interpretation of data also requires comprehensive analysis based on biological background knowledge and relevant literature.

3. Application fields

Metabolomics sequencing has wide application value in many fields, including but not limited to the following aspects:

1. Biomedical research: used for disease diagnosis, classification, prognosis assessment and drug development, etc. By comparing the differences in metabolic profiles between healthy individuals and disease patients, metabolic markers related to the disease can be discovered, providing new ideas for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

2. Agriculture and food science: used for crop quality improvement, food safety testing, etc. Metabolomics sequencing technology can reveal the metabolic characteristics of crops under different growth conditions and provide scientific basis for crop breeding and cultivation. At the same time, it can also detect harmful substances and nutrients in food to ensure food safety and quality.

3. Environmental science: used for ecotoxicology research, environmental pollution monitoring, etc. Metabolomics sequencing technology can evaluate the impact of pollutants on organisms and reveal the metabolic pathways and toxicity mechanisms of pollutants in organisms.

In the vast journey of exploring the mysteries of life, metabolomics sequencing, as an important tool for precision medicine, biological research and agricultural technology innovation, is gradually uncovering the mystery of the complex metabolic network in organisms. Through high-throughput and high-resolution technical means, we can draw metabolic fingerprints of organisms under different physiological states, disease processes or environmental conditions with unprecedented accuracy and breadth.