Metabolic deuterium oxide (D₂O) labeling in quantitative omics studies: A tutorial review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Metabolomics
• Proteomics

Background:

• Mass spectrometry (MS) is crucial for biomolecule detection in omics.
• Stable isotope labeling enhances quantitative accuracy in MS-based studies.
• Metabolic isotope labeling introduces isotopes via biosynthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the principles of deuterium oxide (D2O) labeling.
• To review D2O labeling applications in omics research.
• To discuss the advantages, challenges, and future of D2O labeling.

Main Methods:

• D2O labeling incorporates deuterium into biomolecules (nucleotides, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates).
• Low enrichment (1%-10%) D2O causes subtle isotopic shifts.
• MS is used to detect and quantify labeled biomolecules.

Main Results:

• D2O labeling facilitates determination of metabolic flux and turnover rates.
• It enables relative quantification of biomolecules in complex samples.
• Subtle isotopic distribution changes are detectable by MS.

Conclusions:

• D2O labeling is a versatile, cost-effective tool for quantitative omics.
• Its ease of implementation benefits various biological systems.
• D2O labeling holds promise for long-term omics studies in higher organisms.