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Published on: January 22, 2017
Epigenetics: an important challenge for ICP-MS in metallomics studies
Katarzyna Wrobel1, Kazimierz Wrobel, Joseph A Caruso
1Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Guanajuato, L. de Retana No 5, 36000, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Trace metal analysis has evolved to metallomics, studying the global role of metals. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is crucial for analyzing elements and their role in epigenetics, impacting health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Trace metal analysis is crucial in environmental, biological, and clinical fields.
- Advancements in techniques like ICP-MS allow ultra-trace level quantification of elements.
- Scientific interest has shifted from total element determination to speciation and metallomics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce basic epigenetic concepts.
- To explore the emerging application of metallomics in epigenetics.
- To review early applications of ICP-MS in relation to epigenetic studies.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for multi-elemental analysis.
- Speciation analysis for quantitative information on individual element species.
- Review of early ICP-MS applications in epigenetics.
Main Results:
- ICP-MS is indispensable for metallomics research due to its multi-elemental focus.
- Epigenetics is an important emerging application for metallomics, linking metals to health effects.
- Early ICP-MS applications include detecting phosphorus as a DNA tag, analyzing metal-based drug DNA adducts, and studying element species as epigenetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Metallomics, utilizing ICP-MS, offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the role of metals/metalloids.
- Epigenetics provides a critical pathway through which metals influence health and disease.
- Further development of analytical methodologies is essential for elucidating biological pathways and toxicological aspects of trace elements.
Related Concept Videos
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview

