Identification of small molecules from human embryonic stem cells using metabolomics

Metabolomics enables the discovery of small molecules that may serve as candidate biomarkers of pharmacological efficacy or toxicity. Biochemical pathways of human development are likely active in human embryonic stem (hES) cells and derivatives, since they recapitulate organogenesis in vitro. We hypothesized that small molecules could be measured from undifferentiated hES cells and hES cell-derived neural precursors (hNPs) using metabolomics and that these compounds are altered in response to known disruptors of human development. Metabolite profiling was performed in hES cells and hNPs after exposure to valproate, an inducer of neurodevelopmental disorders. Kynurenine, an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism, and other small molecules in glutamate metabolism were significantly upregulated in response to valproate. Thus, for the first time, we have been able to measure and identify small molecules secreted from hES cells and cells derived from hES cells. The hES cell metabolome may thus serve as a source of candidate biomarkers to predict or measure pharmacological efficacy or toxic response.