The profile of metabolites or metabolome is the functional read-out of the physiological state of an organism, and captures the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
The concentration and pattern of metabolites (metabotype) are determined using high-throughput analytical methods i.e., nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The department of Molecular Sciences is equipped with modern, high-end instruments for NMR and MS-based metabolomics.
The metabolomics based research at the department of Molecular Sciences is performed in close collaboration with researchers from other field to generate a multidisciplinary research platform. The metabolomics based research includes both method development and application.
Example projects in metabolomics:
- Development and validation of novel NMR and MS methods for measuring the profile of metabolites.
- Identification and validation of diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of chronic disease i.e. prostate cancer, type II diabetes, and Alzheimer disease.
- Establishing strategies for translating metabotype into point-of-care clinical practice (personalized medicine).
- Identification of metabolic responses of signaling pathway involved in development and progression of chronic diseases.
- Identification of health promoting characteristics of food products.
- Monitoring the toxicity of environmental pollutants in aquaculture.
- Optimization of nutritional properties of feed in aquaculture.
- Developing strategies for the application of metabolomics as a new generation of selection tools for crop improvement.
- Developing strategies to link metabolomics with quality traits in crop plants.
Corine Sandström, Professor
Ali Moazzami, Researcher