Mass Spectrometry in Metabolomics

Metabolomics is a fast growing field in systems biology and offers a powerful and promising approach for a large range of applications. Metabolomics focuses on deriving the concentrations and fluxes of low molecular weight metabolites in bio-fluids, cells or tissue, plants, foods and related samples and this information provides enormous detail on biological systems and their current status. Mass Spectrometry in Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols presents a broad coverage of the major mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics methods and applications. MS is one of most powerful and commonly used analytical methods in metabolomics; because so many different MS systems are used in metabolomics, this volume includes a wide variety such as triple quads, time of flight, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance and even simple quadrupole systems. A wide range of studies are described, with samples ranging from blood and urine to tissue and even plants. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Mass Spectrometry in Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further the dynamic field of metabolomics.