Metabolomics

Our research utilizes NMR spectroscopy as a highly versatile and non-destructive platform for the comprehensive metabolomic profiling of C. elegans. By integrating solution NMR for the detailed analysis of aqueous and lipid extracts with High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) NMR, we are also able to perform real-time measurements on intact organisms without the need for lysis. This dual-approach enables the absolute quantification of a wide array of metabolites —including amino acids, organic acids, coenzymes, hormones,  sugars and lipids — which serve as exquisite reporters of cell/tissue/organism health and function. Using 1D, 2D and sometimes even 3D NMR techniques allow resolving complex spectral patterns and identifyng critical shifts in metabolic pathways such as the TCA cycle, glycolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis, etc., which provide direct insight into the biochemical state of a biological system or model. Over the last years we have been investigating C. elegans metabolome in response to avocado-derived compounds, highlighting first their incorporation in embryos and larvae as well as the inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid biosynthesis. More recently we focused on the lipotoxic effects of the same compounds affecting lipid homeostasis. 

Our metabolomic experience has previously covered also other subjects such as breast cancer biopsy studies, metabolic pattern of amyloidogenic protein expression in C. elegans models, reperfusion injury after heart transplant, cholesterol-induced stress in macrophages and dendritic cell energy shifts.