The stratum corneum possesses a diverse biochemical composition, including a variety of lipids that contribute to its important role in skin barrier function and water retention. When these functions are disrupted, it can lead to a variety of skin disorders such as psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema. Utilizing metabolomics to measure the biochemical changes in the stratum corneum enables a deeper understanding of these and other skin conditions and offers improved monitoring of response to therapeutic intervention.
Metabolomics reveals biological insights otherwise unseen. For a successful metabolomics study, both small molecule discovery and the ability to dig deeper into specific biomarkers of interest are needed to uncover actionable insights that propel new therapeutic developments. A specific combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology and expertise is required to identify these biomarkers of interest and develop assays that are sensitive enough to explore them fully.
At Metabolon, we understand the crucial role lipids play in skin disorders, and we’ve established best-in-class expertise for their detection. This panel focuses on specific lipids and their metabolic pathways and can be used to track biomarkers and enhance biological understanding across clinical research.
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| Sphingoid Base | Fatty Acid Class |
|---|---|
| Ceramides | alpha-hydroxy fatty acids (AS) |
| esterified omega fatty acids (EOS) | |
| saturated fatty acids (NS) | |
| Dihydro-ceramides | alpha-hydroxy fatty acids (ADS) |
| saturated fatty acids (NDS) | |
| 6-Hydroxy-ceramides | alpha-hydroxy fatty acids (AH) |
| esterified omega fatty acids (EOH) | |
| saturated fatty acids (NH) | |
| Phyto-ceramides | alpha-hydroxy fatty acids (AP) |
| esterified omega fatty acids (EOP) | |
| saturated fatty acids (NP) | |
| Free Fatty Acids | 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, 20:0, 20:1, 20:2, 22:0, 22:1, 24:0, 24:1 |
| Sterols | Cholesterol, Cholesterol Sulfate |
LC-MS/MS: Waters UPC2/Sciex QTrap 5500
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| Sample Type | Sample Requirements | Stratum Corneum | ≥ 4 D-Squame® discs |
|---|
Others on request
Disclaimer: This panel is for Research Use Only and is not to be used for diagnostic purposes.
Our readily available or custom developed quantitative assays help you achieve your research and biomarker validation objectives with precise and fully validated methods. Our targeted assays and panels cover more than 1,000 metabolites and lipids across a wide range of biochemical classes, metabolic pathways, and physiological processes, and they can be customized to best fit any application.
Metabolon’s technology can provide a comprehensive survey of the skin metabolome and microbiome from a range of non-invasive skin sampling options, including our proprietary sample preparation process that allows subjects to provide samples using commercially available tape strips. In addition to the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel, we can quantitatively measure hundreds of lipid analytes on our pre-existing skin lipid panels. With the ability to capture biomarkers of wound repair, UV exposure, hydration, environmental exposures, and more, our proprietary platform has helped researchers understand skin conditions as diverse as dandruff, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and aging.
Cosmetics companies routinely use metabolomics to better understand hair and skin profiles, develop personalized products, and evaluate product safety. Given that metabolites receive inputs from not only the genome, proteome, and microbiome, but also from external exposures, including topical and oral compounds, they provide actionable insight into how an individual will likely respond to a cosmeceutical, and how safe and effective that product is for its indication. Here, we discuss a few cases that show how metabolomics has contributed to cosmeceutical research and development.
Once you see the full value of metabolomics, the only remaining question is: who does it best? While many laboratories have metabolite profiling or analytical chemistry capabilities, comprehensive metabolomics technologies are extremely rare.
Accurate, unbiased metabolite identification across the entire metabolome introduces signal-to-noise challenges that very few labs are equipped to handle. Also, translating massive quantities of data into actionable information is slow, if not impossible, for most because proper interpretation takes two things that are in short supply: experience and a comprehensive database.
Using our robust platform and visualization tools, our experts are uniquely able to tell you more about your molecule and develop assay panels to help you zero in on the results you need.
Coverage
Ability to interrogate thousands of metabolites across diverse biochemical space, revealing new insights and opportunities
Comparability
Ability to integrate the data from different studies into the same dataset, in different geographies, among different patients over time
Competency
Ability to inform on proper study design, generate high‐quality data, derive biological insights, and make actionable recommendations
Capacity
Ability to process hundreds of thousands of samples quickly and cost‐efficiently to service rapidly growing demand
Request a quote for our services, get more information on sample types and handling procedures, request a letter of support, or submit a question about how metabolomics can advance your research.
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