Description of the Assay

These molecules play a key role in a wide range of metabolic processes. In particular, these molecules are known to be linked with systemic disorders and changes in their levels are associated with various metabolic diseases. This assay quantifies more than 50 central carbon metabolites and related structures. Additionally, a large number of untargeted features can be detected. Part of the untargeted features will be tentatively identified using open source libraries. This method is a good general-purpose method, however there are sometimes issues with sensitivity, especially for small acids and phosphated compounds. For those compounds we recommend the targeted central carbon metabolism method. This method detects native compounds as well as, on request, 2H/13C-isotopic labelled compounds for tests on enzymatic activities and metabolomics. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Analytes measured:

• Fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, arachidonic, stearic, linoleic, decanoic, octanoic).
• Hydroxy acids (lactic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, phosphoenolpyruvic acid)
• Sugar metabolites (glucose, fructose, glycerol-3-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate, glyceraldehyde, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, ribose-5-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate)
• Amino acids (lysine, serine, threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, ornithine, aspartic acid, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan, glutamic acid, arginine, glutamine, glycine, proline, alanine, asparagine, methionine, tyrosine)
• Others metabolites (5-hydroxyl-indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-propionic acid, cholesterol, ascorbic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid).

Sample Information

Sample Handling Guidelines

• Samples should always be stored at -80°C and transported in dry ice.
• Ideally, samples should be aliquoted into suitably-sealed, standard containers with labels, to avoid multiple freeze thaws (1.5/2mL Eppendorf-tubes, or larger volumes in Falcon tubes).
• Sample lists/grids should be provided in electronic format along with the samples.
• If possible, provide information on sample collection and handling procedures, including:
  • Sample source
  • Sample collection date
  • Freezing method, length of storage and temperature
  • Number and type of freeze and thaw cycles

Blood

Whole blood should be frozen immediately after sampling. It is possible to perform measurements using, serum however, room temperature clotting time must be controlled and consistent (ideally 30 minutes).

Cell

Cell samples should be separated prior to freezing.

Recommendations

• The ideal sample is plasma.
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance with all questions and, in particular, if samples need special handling or if 2H/13C-isotopic labelled compounds are to be measured.