NMR based studies of metabolic process

Abstract

Metabonomics, the study of small molecule metabolic profiles, together with proteomic and transcriptomic information gives a rich picture of the function of living organisms. In order to understand the function of the multiple enzymes involved in these systems we need massive quantities of real-time data. This often requires the development of new analysis procedures that can model interactions of multiple components. The methodology presented here is based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) observation of real time variation of metabolites, on new spectral analysis methods that can deconvolute the signatures of each molecular species, and network modeling methods that can identify interactions in complex systems. As a model system, the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase is selected. The role of this enzyme is to activate acetate to acetyl-coenzyme A (Ac-CoA). The importance of this enzyme is that it provides the cell a two-carbon metabolite which can be used in energy generation processes and functional modification of both proteins and carbohydrates.