Dedicated to Understanding Difficult Questions About Population Health

A multi-omics approach that includes metabolomics would enable a deep understanding of the health status of a certain population. Metabolon is contributing to these efforts through our metabolomics technology, which can analyze changes in metabolite levels from a range of biological samples, including blood, urine, feces, and tissues. These metabolic changes can then be mapped to the appropriate biochemical signaling pathways. Therefore, Metabolon can provide researchers and clinicians with a better understanding of how genes, microbiome, diet, lifestyle, and drug treatments influence population health.

Metabolon has also validated the use of alternative sampling methods for metabolomics analysis to support large-scale metabolomics research needs. For example, 150 µl of blood product is sufficient to run untargeted metabolomics on our Global Discovery Panel, and Metabolon-validated dried blood spot (DBS) cards allow only a few drops of blood from a finger to be tested for metabolomic changes. Additionally, through our collaboration with DNA Genotek, we found for the first time that the OMNImet®•GUT device can be used for room temperature collection of stool samples for metabolomics studies. This dramatically expands the accessibility of metabolomics for gut microbiome studies. These novel sampling methods for metabolomics research provide a low-cost and effective alternative for population health studies.

Metabolon has overcome the challenges of lipid profiling to create the only platform able to provide both complete and quantitative lipidomic analysis.

Amino Acids (AA) are the foundational building blocks for peptides and proteins. These small molecules regulate metabolic pathways that are involved in cell maintenance, growth, reproduction, and immunity. Branched chain amino acids play a large role in building muscle tissue and participate in increasing protein synthesis. Amino acids also play a role in cell signaling, gene expression and protein phosphorylation. Maintaining an optimal balance of amino acids is vital to maintaining a stable equilibrium of physiological processes.

Metabolon’s ICP-MS-based Metal Analysis Targeted Panel provides precise measurements of biologically important metal ions in biological samples. In addition to the well-established problems of toxicity associated with several metals, the vital role these ions play in a variety of biological pathways whether by catalyzing enzymatic reactions or stabilizing protein structures is still becoming clear. Intimately intertwined with the proteome and metabolome, metal ions represent an intrinsic piece vital to the holistic understanding of biological phenomena ranging from development through normal functioning to disease. Without an understanding of the role of these metals, a complete understanding of biological processes is not possible. The Metal Analysis Targeted Panel measures a variety of metals ions ranging from the macro level (ppm) including Na, K, and Ca to the micro level (ppb) including Mo, Cu, and Ni.