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Exometabolomics and MSI: deconstructing how cells interact to transform their small molecule environment
Leslie P Silva1, Trent R Northen1
1Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Joint Genome Institute, Department of Energy, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|April 10, 2015
Summary
Exometabolomics studies cellular byproducts, complementing traditional metabolomics. Combining exometabolomics with mass spectrometry imaging offers deeper insights into cellular metabolism and interactions for biotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and metabolic research.
Background:
- Metabolomics is crucial for biotechnologies like biofuels and diagnostics.
- Traditional metabolomics often focuses intracellularly, overlooking extracellular biochemical transformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of exometabolomics for understanding cellular interactions and the environment.
- To showcase the synergy between exometabolomics and mass spectrometry imaging for comprehensive metabolic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Exometabolomics: Analyzing compounds released by cells.
- Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI): Localizing metabolic processes within biological matrices.
- Integration of exometabolomics and MSI for complementary data.
Main Results:
- Exometabolomics provides rich phenotypic data, valuable for bioprocessing and biofuel development.
- MSI localizes metabolic activities within complex biological samples.
- Combined approaches yield novel insights into cellular metabolism and intercellular dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Exometabolomics is a powerful tool for studying cellular outputs and their impact.
- The integration of exometabolomics and MSI enhances understanding of cellular metabolism and interactions.
- These integrated technologies advance biotechnological development and bioprocessing.
