Metabolomics or proteomics: which way to go?

Abstract

AbstractIncreasing advances in technology have made it possible to consider the metabolome as an objective. In fact, in some situations it is feasible to carry out proteomics and metabolomics on the same samples. However, there is a caution as a metabolomic study will require much more initial sample than a proteomics study. The same instrument will carry u the two different types of analysis. What do the two methods convey? The metabolome consists of small molecules found within cells that are largely involved in cellular energy production and other basic functions. The time scale for metabolomics is in minutes while the time scale for proteomics is measured in many minutes to hours. So the two approaches complement each other and provide a more complete understanding of the response of cells to an event. For example, when a contact lens is placed over the cornea for the first time, how do the cells of the different layers cope with the change in oxygen levels in the first few minutes and then compensate for the change in conditions over the next hours or days. This is a good example of a situation where both metabolomics and proteomics can provide a more complete understanding of the adjustment of the cornea. The tears are a respository for both the metabolome and proteome.