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Project

A novel hybrid metabolomics platform combining the power of gas chromatography separation with highresolution, high-accuracy mass spectrometry of full precursor masses.

Metabolism is the field that describes the biochemical
processes that nutrients undergo to generate essential
building blocks, bio-molecules or energy needed for the
survival, expansion or motility of cells. It is also the field
that is closest to explain the phenotypic (observed) changes
underlying disease. Metabolism is highly flexible, as
nutrients undergo specific molecular paths, they can easily
be diverted into other paths if needed, similar to a roadmap
where you have multiple options to drive from A to B.
Hence, the metabolic network is highly interconnected and
understanding how this network is wired (which route is
taken) is of critical importance in understanding what's
going on, specifically for the development of
therapeutics/treatments that block or bypass specific
'roads'. The Metabolomics Expertise Center (MEC) has
developed software that is similar to Google Maps but then
focused on the metabolic routes that nutrients undergo.
With this application, we aim to purchase a unique
technological platform that is able to measure as many of
the metabolic paths as possible, so that the MEC can start
mapping these routes in a wide diversity of diseases (for
instance cancer, metabolic diseases, critical illness, ...) in
close collaboration with clinical and academic partners.

Date:1 May 2022 →  Today
Keywords:metabolism, phenotypic (observed) changes underlying disease, Metabolomics Expertise Center (MEC), metabolic paths
Disciplines:Regulation of metabolism, Biochemistry and metabolism not elsewhere classified