Untargeted Metabolomics Strategies—Challenges and Emerging Directions

摘要: Metabolites are building blocks of cellular function. These species involved in enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions and essential for Upstream biological disruptions result a series metabolomic changes and, as such, the metabolome holds wealth information that is thought to be most predictive phenotype. Uncovering this knowledge work progress. The field metabolomics still maturing; community has leveraged proteomics experience when applicable developed range sample preparation instrument methodology along with myriad data processing analysis approaches. Research focuses have now shifted toward fundamental understanding biology responsible changes. There several types experiments including both targeted untargeted analyses. While untargeted, hypothesis generating workflows exhibit many valuable attributes, challenges inherent approach remain. This Critical Insight comments on these challenges, focusing identification process LC-MS-based studies-specifically mammalian systems. Biological interpretation hinges ability accurately identify metabolites. confidence associated identifications often overlooked reviewed, opportunities advancing described. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.