Isotopic Labeling Assisted Metabolomics Service
MtoZ Biolabs provides an Isotopic Labeling Assisted Metabolomics Service that integrates stable isotope tracing with high quality metabolomics analysis to illuminate metabolic pathways and help clients map how specific substrates flow through metabolic networks.
Isotopic labeling assisted metabolomics introduces nonradioactive isotopes such as carbon 13 or nitrogen 15 into defined precursors, then monitors the fate of these labels across downstream metabolites. After incorporation in living cells, tissues, or organisms, labeled atoms propagate through biochemical reactions and generate characteristic isotopologue and isotopomer patterns. High resolution mass spectrometry captures these patterns with accurate mass and retention information, and computational models translate the observed enrichment into pathway usage and rates. Because labeling encodes both origin and route, the method distinguishes parallel pathways, reveals branch points, and resolves turnover even when metabolite pool sizes change only modestly. This powerful approach enables the discovery of metabolic biomarkers, the characterization of disease-associated pathway alterations, and the evaluation of therapeutic interventions.
Service at MtoZ Biolabs
MtoZ Biolabs' Isotopic Labeling Assisted Metabolomics Services move beyond static metabolite profiles and gain dynamic insights into pathway activity, flux distribution, and metabolic regulation. With carefully designed tracer experiments and high resolution LC-MS or GC-MS, we can track how metabolites are synthesized, secreted, and consumed under different conditions. Uptake and secretion rates are determined by measuring label incorporation or depletion in extracellular and intracellular metabolite pools over time. These quantitative data are then integrated into metabolic models, where isotopologue distributions and stoichiometric constraints are used to calculate metabolic fluxes.
Moiz, B. et al. Metabolites. 2022.
Figure 1. Isotope-Assisted Metabolic Flux Analysis Workflow
Why Choose MtoZ Biolabs?
✔️Extensive expertise in metabolomics and isotope labeling strategies
✔️Access to state-of-the-art LC-MS and GC-MS systems
✔️Tailored tracer design and workflows for diverse applications
✔️End-to-end support from project design to final data interpretation
Applications
Isotopic labeling assisted metabolomics supports a wide range of scientific and industrial applications:
1. Biomedical Research
Tracing glucose or glutamine metabolism in cancer cells
Monitoring neurotransmitter turnover in neurological disorders
Investigating metabolic shifts in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
2. Drug Development
Studying drug metabolism and clearance
Understanding mechanisms of drug action at the metabolic level
Evaluating metabolic biomarkers for efficacy and safety
3. Agriculture and Food Science
Characterizing nutrient assimilation in plants
Studying secondary metabolite biosynthesis in crops
Tracing isotopic enrichment in food authenticity testing
4. Biotechnology
Optimizing metabolic engineering strategies in microbial strains
Identifying rate-limiting steps in fermentation processes
Evaluating carbon flux distributions in biofuel or bioproduct synthesis
5. Environmental Science
Investigating microbial community metabolism in ecosystems
Tracing biotransformation of pollutants
Monitoring nutrient cycling in soil and water systems
Sample Submission Suggestions
1. Sample Types
Microbial cultures, cell cultures, animal tissues, plant tissues, animal biofluids, and other biological samples.
2. Storage and Transport
Samples should be snap-frozen and stored at –80°C, shipped on dry ice, and protected from repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
3. Notes
Avoid detergents, salts, preservatives, or other additives that may interfere with mass spectrometry detection.
Clients are encouraged to contact MtoZ Biolabs before sample preparation to receive tailored instructions for their specific project.
Deliverables
1. Detailed experimental information including methods and conditions
2. Raw data files
3. Spectral and chromatographic outputs
4. Data preprocessing and analysis results
5. Bioinformatics analysis
6. A tailored report based on project needs
To learn more about our Isotopic Labeling Assisted Metabolomics Service, or to discuss your specific requirements, please contact us.
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