Description: Metabolomics is the study of metabolites in a biological system, which are small molecules resulting from metabolic processes. This field of science focuses on the identification and quantification of metabolites in cells, tissues, and biological fluids, providing a snapshot of an organism’s physiological state. Metabolomics is considered one of the ‘omic’ sciences, alongside genomics and proteomics, and is used to understand the biology of complex systems. Through advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, researchers can analyze metabolic profiles and detect changes in metabolite concentrations, which may indicate alterations in health or the development of diseases. Metabolomics is fundamental for biomedical research, pharmacology, and nutrition, as it enables the identification of biomarkers, the study of metabolic interactions, and the assessment of treatment responses. Its relevance lies in its ability to provide detailed information about cellular metabolism and its relationship with various biological conditions, making it a valuable tool in personalized medicine and biotechnology.
History: Metabolomics began to take shape in the 1990s when advances in analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and chromatography allowed for the identification and quantification of metabolites in biological samples. One significant milestone was the establishment of metabolomics as a discipline in 2000, when the first foundations for its application in biomedical research were laid. Since then, it has rapidly evolved, integrating with other disciplines such as genomics and proteomics to provide a more comprehensive view of systems biology.
Uses: Metabolomics is used in various fields, including biomedical research to identify disease biomarkers, in pharmacology to assess drug efficacy, and in nutrition to study the impact of foods on human metabolism. It is also applied in agriculture to improve crops and in biotechnology for the development of innovative products.
Examples: An example of metabolomics in action is the study of diabetes, where metabolic profiles of patients are analyzed to identify biomarkers that may predict the disease. Another case is cancer research, where metabolic profiles are used to understand metabolic alterations in tumor cells and develop more effective treatments.
