Abstract
When profiling metabolites, there are two general experimental paradigms: untargeted studies at the omic scale and targeted studies which usually focus on a much smaller subset of compounds. Although untargeted studies have become increasingly fashionable and are often perceived to be the cutting edge, it is important to recognize that they have limitations and are not always the better experiment. In theory, an untargeted analysis profiles all of the same metabolites as a targeted analysis, plus more. So why is more not always better? We will frame our consideration in the words of pioneering computer scientist Alan Perlis: “Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.” [1].
Highlights
When profiling metabolites, there are two general experimental paradigms: untargeted studies at the omic scale and targeted studies which usually focus on a much smaller subset of compounds
A convincing example of the power of untargeted metabolomics to identify serum markers of non-small-cell lung cancer was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology
In Cancer and Metabolism, for instance, Gelman et al reported an application of untargeted metabolomics to find metabolic products of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate [4]
Summary
There are two general experimental paradigms: untargeted studies at the omic scale and targeted studies which usually focus on a much smaller subset of compounds. Identify metabolomic signals that are potentially diagnostic of the condition being studied. A convincing example of the power of untargeted metabolomics to identify serum markers of non-small-cell lung cancer was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. In Cancer and Metabolism, for instance, Gelman et al reported an application of untargeted metabolomics to find metabolic products of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate [4].
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