Metabolism Flux Assessment Service

Metabolic Flux Analysis (MFA) uses stable isotope-labeled precursors like glucose and amino acids to study cellular metabolic activities. This approach allows us to infer the pathways, transformation rates, and distribution of metabolites by analyzing their isotopic labeling patterns. MFA provides dynamic insights into the metabolism of cells under various physiological and pathological conditions, offering a deeper understanding of metabolic pathway activities and their biological impacts.

 



de Falco B, et al. RSC Adv. 2022.

Figure1. Metabolic Flux Analysis Overview 

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

At MtoZ Biolabs, we combine metabolic flux analysis with cutting-edge metabolomics technologies to explore changes, flows, and rates within cellular metabolic networks. This analysis helps us identify critical metabolic irregularities and their regulatory mechanisms, providing essential scientific insights for disease mechanism studies, drug target identification, and validation.

1. Isotope Labeling Techniques

We utilize a range of stable isotope-labeled precursors, including:

• [U-13C6] glucose, [U-13C5] glutamine
• [13C5,15N2] glutamine, [13C4] aspartate
• Deuterated metabolites, like deuterium-labeled alcohol

 

 

2. Metabolic Pathway Analysis

• We focus on key pathways such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway, as well as the dynamics of amino acids, fatty acids, and one-carbon metabolism.
• Our studies also encompass energy metabolism, particularly the production and use of NADPH.

 

Service Advantages

1. Precision Quantification: We accurately characterize the dynamic metabolic changes and precisely map the distribution within metabolic pathways.
2. Node Analysis: We pinpoint crucial nodes within the metabolic network, influencing the overall flow and efficiency of metabolic processes.
3. Disease Mechanism Exploration: Our analyses reveal pivotal metabolic pathway alterations during disease progression, enhancing our understanding of both physiological and pathological mechanisms.
4. Metabolic Response Monitoring: We track how cells metabolically respond to external stimuli and genetic modifications, offering insights into adaptive metabolic strategies.

 

Applications

• Pathophysiological Studies: We dynamically monitor metabolic activities to delve into disease mechanisms.
• Metabolite Dynamics: Our services track the behavior of specific metabolites across various organs.
• Genetic Engineering in Microbes: Using 13C metabolic flux analysis, we optimize metabolic pathways to boost the production of desired metabolites.

 

MtoZ Biolabs is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet your specific research needs. Our expert team is always ready to collaborate and propel your scientific endeavors forward.