Metabolomics: Bridging the gap from genotype to phenotype

And all you need to know... And all you need to know... Dr. Anil Bajnath explains metabolomics and more... You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Longevity Insider HQ. [Click here]( to manage your e-mail preferences. [abmd health logo email] Metabolomics: Bridging the gap from genotype to phenotype Anil Bajnath, MD | May 25, 2021 | Baltimore, MD Dear Longevity Insider, Today, we continue our series on the Omics of Medicine. If you have followed along, you will find that each Omic plays a key role in precision medicine. This week we are taking on an important Omics system: Metabolomics. While appreciated for its role in biomarker discovery, metabolomics has emerging applications towards personalized medicine, precision nutrition research, and even agriculture. What is metabolomics, the metabolome, and more? Metabolomics is the large-scale study of small molecules, commonly known as metabolites, within cells, biofluids, tissues or organisms. [Metabolites]( are small molecules that are the end product of a metabolic process. Metabolites have several functions including but not limited to epigenetic influencing, fuel, structure, signaling, defense, and more! Metabolites are either primary or secondary. Primary: directly involved in normal growth, development, and reproduction of an organism. Examples include: Ethanol, Glutamic Acid, Acetic Acid, Glycerol.. Secondary: Is not involved in normal growth, development, and reproduction but serves an ecological function and its absences is detrimental to the organism. Examples include: Peptides, Growth Hormones, Antibiotics, Alkaloids, and more. In humans, there are thought to be approximately 3000 common [metabolites]( although researchers suspect that there are much more. The metabolome is the complete set of metabolites within a cell. Within a cell many reactions take place such as: - Binding - Dissociation - Degradation - Modification - Classic biochemical reaction - Transport These reactions are considered to be anabolic, where you are growing and/or building or catabolic which is when you break down food and molecules for energy. Importance of Metabolomics The metabolome is considered the closest link to the phenotype and thus, a critical omics discipline in the pursuit of personalized medicine. How? Recall that a phenotype is an individual's observable traits (e.g, height, eye color, blood type). These traits are mostly determined by your genotype (your set of genes) or by the environment. A phenotypic variation is due to a variation in the genotype, the environment, and how the genotype and environment interact. Omics research is currently exploring how genetic effects on phenotype are being filtered through the metabolome, making it a critical omic to possibly bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype. This will be a powerful tool in informed decision making, developing drugs, and preventative healthcare. On Thursday, I'll explain the current and future applications of metabolomics. To your longevity, Anil Bajnath MD CEO/Founder, Institute for Human Optimization Chief Medical Officer, Longevity Insider HQ --------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to {EMAIL}. It is not our intention to send email to anyone who doesn't want it. If you're not sure why you've received this e-letter, or no longer wish to receive it, you may [unsubscribe here](, and view our privacy policy and information on how to manage your subscription. To ensure that you receive future issues of Longevity Insider HQ, please add newsletter@longevityinsiderhq.com to your address book or whitelist within your spam settings. For customer service questions or issues, please contact us for assistance. Longevity Insider HQ, Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. 3 E. Read Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. For customer service, call (844) 491-5756. The content of this site may not be redistributed without the express written consent of Longevity Insider HQ. Individual editorials, articles and essays appearing on this site may be republished, but only with full attribution of both the author and Longevity Insider HQ as well as a link the website. None of these statements have been approved by the FDA to diagnose or treat any disease. Always consult with a trusted medical professional before starting or changing a health regimen. [Full Disclaimer](