Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols

Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols examines the state-of-the-art in metabolomic analysis. Leading researchers in the field present protocols for the application of complementary analytical methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols contains forward-looking protocols, which provide the essential groundwork for future efforts in elucidating the structure of the unknowns detected in metabolomic studies. Part I of this volume focuses on GC-MS techniques; specifically, attention is given to metabolite profiling in blood plasma, construction and application of mass spectral and retention time index libraries, and metabolomic profiling of natural volatiles. In Part II, emphasis shifts to data integration and data mining techniques, and specific protocols discuss improving pattern recognition and biomarker selection for systems level approaches, and visualization and analysis of molecular and metabolomic data. Parts III, IV, and V examine the coupling of capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, classical reversed phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and electrochemical detection of metabolites using HPLC separations coupled with coulometric electrode array detectors. In Part VI, protocols for the determination of metabolic flux rates are presented and a theoretical framework for metabolic pathway network analysis is provided. The volume concludes with an examination of cutting-edge NMR protocols.