The future of NMR-based metabolomics

Authors

John L. Markley, University of Wisconsin-MadisonFollow
Rafael Bruschweiler, The Ohio State University
Arthur S. Edison, University of Georgia
Hamid R. Eghbalnia, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Robert Powers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Daniel Raftery, University of Washington
David S. Wishart, University of Alberta

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

Current Opinion in Biotechnology 2017, 43:34–40

Comments

Copyright 2016 The Author(s).

Open access

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2016.08.001

Abstract

The two leading analytical approaches to metabolomics are mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Although currently overshadowed by MS in terms of numbers of compounds resolved, NMR spectroscopy offers advantages both on its own and coupled with MS. NMR data are highly reproducible and quantitative over a wide dynamic range and are unmatched for determining structures of unknowns. NMR is adept at tracing metabolic pathways and fluxes using isotope labels. Moreover, NMR is non-destructive and can be utilized in vivo. NMR results have a proven track record of translating in vitro findings to in vivo clinical applications.