New Advances and Perspectives in Chemical Isotope Labeling-Based Mass Spectrometry Methods for Metabolome and Exposome Analysis

Chemical isotope labeling (CIL) has become increasingly popular in metabolomics and exposomics studies due to its ability to improve sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and analysis throughput. The combination of CIL with mass spectrometry (MS) provides significant benefits for the comprehensive analysis of complex biological samples. In a recent review published in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Xian-En Zhao from Qufu Normal University in China summarizes the recent advances and perspectives of MS-based CIL techniques for metabolome and exposome analysis.

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MS-based CIL techniques refer to the use of chemical isotope labeling (CIL) to improve mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of metabolites and xenobiotics. In this technique, a sample is labeled with a stable isotope-containing reagent, which allows for improved sensitivity, accuracy, and selectivity in the MS analysis. This technique can be used for both targeted and non-targeted analysis of metabolites and xenobiotics, and has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of human health and disease. The future of MS-based CIL techniques lies in the development of ideal CIL reagents and further advancements in structural design.

In the review, Zhao discusses the advantages of MS-based CIL techniques, including improved sensitivity, accuracy, selectivity, stability, analysis throughput, and applicability, while also addressing their potential shortcomings. The review also focuses on the advances of MS-based CIL techniques in targeted and non-targeted analysis of metabolites and xenobiotics based on five subgroups of representative metabolites and xenobiotics containing amino, carboxyl, carbonyl, hydroxyl and sulfhydryl groups.

Furthermore, the review highlights the recent emergence of novel CIL techniques in the structural design of CIL reagents. Finally, Zhao offers a perspective on the future of MS-based CIL techniques in the field, with a special focus on the structural design of ideal CIL reagents.

The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the recent advances in CIL-MS strategies and their potential to revolutionize metabolome and exposome analysis. This review is a valuable resource for researchers in the field who are interested in utilizing CIL-MS techniques in their studies.

The paper, titled "Advances and Perspectives In Chemical Isotope Labeling-Based Mass Spectrometry Methods for Metabolome and Exposome Analysis" is available online in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry (1).

Reference

(1) Gao, S; Zhou, X.; Yue, M; Zhu, S.; Liu, Q.; Zhao, X.E. Advances and Perspectives In Chemical Isotope Labeling-Based Mass Spectrometry Methods for Metabolome and Exposome Analysis. Trends Analyt Chem 2023, 162, 117022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2023.117022