2023-09-16 10:31:13
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The chemical processes that take place in living cells to sustain life are complex and fascinating. This molecular universe, which we call metabolism, is at the heart of every living organism, from humans to mollusks. A recent study published in Science Advances sheds unprecedented light on these mechanisms. Using an innovative technique, researchers can now track specific carbon atoms through amino acids, providing never before seen resolution for understanding metabolism in all its complexity.
The limits of traditional methods
Isotopes are distinct mass variants of the same chemical element. For example, carbon-12, the most common form of the element, also exists as a slightly heavier isotope, carbon-13. To learn more about the organism that produced biological compounds such as proteins, scientists can examine the ratio of heavy to light isotopes in these molecules.
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Traditional methods of analyzing metabolism have often been limited to the examination of complete protein isotopes. Although these techniques provide some information about diet and other aspects of metabolism, they lack precision. Similarly, examining metabolism via the isotope ratio of an entire protein only gives a partial picture of reality.
Some progress has been made by measuring the isotopes in each of the 20 amino acids which make up proteins, but this method remains limited. It is certainly more detailed than the previous approach, but it still lacks the nuance needed to understand the intricacies of metabolism.
The isotope revolution: following the atom
The novelty of the study lies in its method of analysis at the atomic scale. The researchers used ninhydrin, a chemical reagent, to isolate a specific carbon atom in each amino acid. Next, they used a mass spectrometer to measure the isotope ratios. This approach provides a much more detailed picture of cellular metabolism.
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Isotopic fingerprints reflect how animals use the nutrients they ingest to make or break down proteins and fats. Proteins and fats are essential for cell structure and function, as well as energy storage. This method is the result of a ten-year collaboration between several institutions, including Griffith University and Queensland Health.
The first experiments date from 2018, by demonstrating that they could actually use ninhydrin to isolate the carbon atoms they wanted from amino acids. The next step was to combine the ninhydrin technique with a process called high-performance liquid chromatography. And, from of 2019this technique made it possible to identify metabolic “fingerprints” specific to various mammals.
The phases of metabolism
The study has already been extended to a wide variety of animals, including oysters, fish, shrimp and squid, and has even identified specific phases of metabolism linked to the synthesis and breakdown of lipids and proteins. Researchers have found that each species uses these steps uniquely to meet specific biological needs, such as growth or reproduction.
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Researchers have identified four phases of metabolism: fat creation, fat destruction, protein creation, and protein destruction. These phases are combined in different ways by animals to promote growth and reproduction. Adult shrimp cannibalize their own proteins to make the fat they need to reproduce, but adult mammals use fat as a reserve to control their body temperature.
The researchers also found that the humans they studied showed very balanced and stable metabolisms, which is perhaps not surprising given our generally stable and nutritious diets. Oddly enough, this was quite similar to what they found in a sample of oysters.
Implications and future applications
The real potential of this scientific advance lies in its future applications. The new technique developed by the researchers opens exciting avenues for the study of metabolism. Through careful examination of amino acid isotopes, it will be possible to understand eukaryotic metabolism like never before, in animals, plants and fungi.
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These findings could also be applied to studies of abnormal metabolic conditions, such as cancer or obesity. By isolating and tracking specific carbon atoms, we could even consider studying metabolic diseases at the molecular level, which would be a first in medical research.
This provides unprecedented resolution and precision, allowing scientists to decipher the most complex mechanisms of life at the molecular level. While medical applications remain to be explored, this advance already represents a revolution in our understanding of the living world.
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