Metabolomics XL
Metabolomics and Analytics Centre
Metabolomics studies small molecules (metabolites, lipids) in the body to better understand health and disease, while exposomics looks at environmental factors that contribute to diseases. We collect FAIR high throughput mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics and exposomics data. We have established computational pipelines to process and query the data. Researchers across the Netherlands have access to Metabolomics XL at affordable rates. The infrastructure in Leiden builds on the knowledge gained in the NWO research programmes, such as X-omics, Exposome-Scan and Exposome-NL. We develop novel technologies and implement them in the infrastructure like single cell analysis or integration of spatial MS analysis and imaging of in-vitro model systems.
Infrastructure and User Services
Metabolomics XL is the high-throughput metabolomics and exposomics infrastructure with its core at the Metabolomics and Analytics Centre (MAC) at the LACDR/Leiden University. We offer validated targeted and untargeted metabolomics, lipidomics and exposomics state-of-the-art assays for comprehensive metabolomics and exposomics studies using that together span the human metabolome and a wide range of small molecules to assess exposure to drugs, nutrition, pollutants, and more.
Our infrastructure includes assays focused on inflammation, gut and brain metabolism, and the exposome. We provide end-to-end support: from experimental design and sample collection to measurements, data analysis, identification of unknown compounds, and interpretation of results. Working closely with our partners, we tailor each study to align with specific biological questions, leveraging advanced targeted and untargeted metabolite, lipid, and small molecule profiling platforms. Our in-house software ensures instrument performance monitoring, data integration, and quality assessment. We have established a small molecule identification pipeline.
For exposome studies, we integrate small molecule data with environmental factors such as air pollution and fine particulate matter, in collaboration with experts at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University. Multi-omics data analysis and data interpretation is supported by partners at IRAS, Erasmus MC, and the LUMC Department of Biomedical Data Sciences. Our infrastructure features cutting-edge mass spectrometry (MS) equipment and supports ongoing development of novel assays. Current innovations include extracellular vesicle analysis and spatially resolved MS for in-vitro models, integrated with advanced imaging technologies via the NL Bioimaging node at LACDR.
Examples/description of the type of research
The Metabolomics XL infrastructure supports a broad range of research questions by providing metabolomics and exposomics data covering a wide range of physiological processes and environmental factors. This aids in discovering early biomarkers of diseases and identifying environmental factors that trigger diseases. These findings can be mechanistically studied and validated using advanced in-vitro models, reporter cell lines and MS-based analysis. High-throughput assays with comprehensive metabolite coverage allow for the most complete metabolome analysis in human and in-vitro models enable the study dynamic changes of metabolism and health.
In projects conducted at Metabolomics XL drug targets can be discovered and validated, and metabolic profiling can be used in clinical studies and in-vitro models to validate on-target effects and identify possible off-target effects. Metabolomics XL supports therefore biomarker discovery, epidemiological research, systems pharmacology and systems biology.
To be able to make use of metabolomics and exposomics data of other studies the data acquired are as much as possible quantitative and as much as possible features detected with MS identified to allow combining data and using other studies for replication of findings. FAIR data collected at Metabolomics XL are stored in a FAIR data point, and also made accessible via public databases like MetaboLights.
Collaborations with national and international metabolomics and exposomics researchers facilitate data replication, offer specialized capabilities, and foster the development of novel technologies and assays.
A wide range of research fields and questions are supported, in first instance biomedical and drug research, nutritional and exposomics research, but also agrifood and biotechnology research.
How to access the infrastructure?
Access to Metabolomics XL can be requested via an on-line application form, asking for study design, motivation, expected results and funding sources. Applications are ranked based on the following criteria:
• scientific merit / excellence
• feasibility
• expected impact
• ability to cover expenses
Studies that agree to share their data will be given a higher priority.