Metabolomics Services
The Metabolomics Service Group at the University of Victoria, is the Victoria node of the CFI-MSI, Genome Canada and Genome BC-funded Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC; metabolomicscentre.ca/). Our targeted and untargeted metabolomics services are performed on a cost-recovery basis, for domestic and international researchers, and industrial clients.
Metabolomics is the youngest family member of functional ‘omics, and is devoted to the identification and quantitation of as many small-molecule compounds (i.e., metabolites or lipids) as possible in biological systems. Metabolomics facilitates the detection of changes in metabolite concentrations in response to genetic modifications and environmental perturbations. The primary focus of our in-house metabolomics technology development is the design and validation of new and innovative analytical methods including UPLC/MRM-MS, UPLC/ultrahigh-resolution MS, and MALDI Imaging of metabolites and lipids in tissues. At the UVic node of TMIC, we have a particular emphasis on comprehensive targeted pathway and compound class assays, covering more than 1,500 compounds across more than 25 unique assay panels. These allow a more comprehensive and in-depth determination of metabolites and lipids in human blood, urine, cells, and tissues, as well as the quantitation of compounds such as naphthenic acids in environmental samples and distinct metabolites in plants.
In addition to detection and quantification of metabolites, many of our assays are amenable to carbon-13 flux analyses. Users can use precursors such as 13C6-glucose, 13C3-pyruvate, 13C5-glutamine, 13C3-serine, 13C3-cysteine, 13C16-palmitate, 13C5-methionine, or other forms of isotope-labeling compounds, to label cells, microorganisms or even animal models. Isotope labeled metabolites can be used to trace the in vivo flux of the labeled carbons through relevant pathways such as Central Carbon Metabolism, One-Carbon Metabolism (folate cycle, methionine cycle and transsulfuration pathway) , amino acid metabolism, purine-pyrimidine metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation, among others.
Targeted Assays
We use the latest generation ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC) and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers to achieve the highest sensitivity and dynamic range possible.
Untargeted Metabolomics and Lipidomics
The goal of untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic experiments is to detect and identify as many small molecules as possible in a semi-quantitative manner. These hypothesis generating experiments can identify novel biomarkers of disease in animal, plant, and microbes and can help provide an understanding of biological processes at the molecular level.
Our ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography systems coupled to ion mobility, high resolution mass spectrometers help to ensure that we are confidently identifying as many compounds as possible.
