The activity of the Applied Metabolomics Research Laboratory can be divided into two main lines of work.
The main aim of this research is to develop an analytical method suitable for detecting changes produced in the metabolic routes of interest and applying this method to various healthcare areas. To do this, the lab has developed both targeted metabolomic and non-targeted metabolomic methods. These methods have been applied in different fields. In the case of targeted metabolomics, alterations in steroidogenesis are being studied in several states including:
In addition, within this field the lab collaborates on the prenatal diagnosis of diseases related to steroidogenesis (in collaboration with the University of Birmingham), and on determining the effect of steroid hormone imbalance on foetal growth retardation (in collaboration with IDIBAPS).
Targeted metabolomic strategies related to neurotransmitter determination are being applied to fields such as:
In addition, the number of metabolic pathways studied in targeted metabolomic strategies is being expanded. Specifically, methods for quantifying Krebs cycle metabolites and glycine-conjugated acids are being optimised. These methods will be applied to evaluate energy deficiency and the role of the glycine modulator in various fields of application.
Finally, within the development of non-targeted metabolomics, strategies have been developed to detect phase II metabolites. Contacts have been established to explore the possibilities of open metabolomics for detecting markers involved in various fields, such as foetal alcohol syndrome (in collaboration with the FIMIM Childhood and Environment Research Group), and specific metabolic pathways for Plasmodium (in collaboration with the Jaume I University and the IBEC nanomalaria unit)
Within this field of research several progestogens conjugated with cysteine have been discovered, and their gonadal and/or adrenal origin has been established. In addition, the urinary excretion of these compounds has been shown to follow a marked circadian rhythm. Both the changes in the amount of excreted metabolites and the alterations observed in the circadian rhythm phase are being evaluated.
This study is part of the Hormonit project and is undertaken in collaboration with ISGlobal. In addition, a metabolomics method has been developed for detecting bis-sulfate metabolites. This method is being used to detect diagnostic markers of diseases related to steroidogenesis (in collaboration with the University of Birmingham).
Furthermore, the presence of succinic acid conjugates has been discovered following the administration of psychoactive substances, such as mephedrone. The origin of this is being studied in more detail, and the lab aims to evaluate the clinical relevance of this type of conjugate.
Lab Leader:
Oscar Pozo(ELIMINAR)
Tel:
93 3160480
Dr. Aiguader, 88, 2ª Planta
08003 Barcelona
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