Researchers take a look at the metabolome

Metabolism is a fundamental function of every organism. From single-celled organisms through humans to the largest living beings on the planet, the uptake, processing and release of substances form the basis of life. Metabolic disorders, whether caused by disease, genetic changes or ageing, can have far-reaching consequences. At the Medical University of Graz, metabolomics research is being conducted to investigate the fundamentals of metabolism. With the installation of a state-of-the-art 800 MHz NMR spectrometer, funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the European Union and the Province of Styria, world-leading technology is now available for this purpose. This places the Medical University of Graz at the forefront of metabolic research, enabling it to investigate important aspects such as ageing and disease processes.

Metabolism under the microscope

The term ‘metabolome’ refers to all metabolic products and processes in cells, tissues or organisms. This includes the levels of the respective substances, enzyme activity, interactions between metabolic pathways, and the areas of the cells where various metabolic products are found. Metabolomics examines this metabolome and can thus provide important information on the processes within the cell, both in healthy and diseased states. For example, it is possible to investigate how diet or ageing affects metabolism within the cell.

A key tool in the study of the metabolome is nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy). This technology enables the structure and dynamics of molecules to be determined and concentrations to be precisely identified. This produces characteristic ‘fingerprints’ of metabolism that help to understand fundamental disease mechanisms. Furthermore, changes in metabolic products can be detected and predictions made regarding the detection, progression and treatment of diseases.

Analysis at the highest level

With the new 800 MHz NMR spectrometer, the Medical University of Graz now has one of the most powerful technological platforms in Europe. This enables scientists to search for metabolic changes with even greater precision and reliability and to investigate the metabolome more effectively. “The higher resolution and sensitivity make it possible to visualise even the smallest changes in metabolism,” reports Tobias Madl, head of the project and of the Otto Loewi Research Centre at the Medical University of Graz. “This is a decisive advantage, particularly in complex biological systems, ranging from organisms right up to humans.”

#HealthyAging with high-tech research

A key research focus at the Medical University of Graz is ageing – more specifically: how to age as healthily as possible. As part of the MetAGE Cluster of Excellence, researchers are using the 800 MHz NMR spectrometer to investigate how metabolism changes over the course of a lifetime and what molecular causes underlie these processes. “Our aim is to find out how interventions, such as diet or pharmacological approaches, can positively influence the ageing process,” says Tobias Madl. Another key area of research is the role of the microbiome – that is, the totality of all microorganisms in the body – in metabolism. Initial results show that interactions between the microbiome and metabolism play a decisive role in diseases and ageing processes.

Metabolomics also provides important insights in cancer research: “In recent studies, we have been able to identify specific metabolic changes in tumour cells that offer new targets for targeted therapies,” explains Tobias Madl. The analysis of the metabolome provides the foundation on which researchers from other fields can build their work. This enables Graz to maintain and expand its leading international role in this field.

With the new infrastructure, the Medical University of Graz is strengthening its leading international position in metabolic research. The 800 MHz NMR spectrometer enables a deeper understanding of complex biological processes and the development of innovative solutions for the medicine of tomorrow – from the early detection of diseases to personalised therapies.