# TR&D 2: Integrated Metabolomics

> **NIH NIH P41** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $318,857

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Despite extensive knowledge of metabolic pathways, understanding the basic metabolic mechanisms of
prominent diseases is limited by the ability to grasp the regulation of complex metabolic systems. Genetic
gain/loss of function approaches have provided a wealth of information about how metabolism can be
regulated, but have not been very successful at identifying the cause of complex disease. Ideally, top-down
approaches would be used to examine the function of metabolism using quantitative approaches, then to guide
gain/loss of function studies. The scientific community is moving quickly to stable isotopes because of high
information yield, convenience, and the capacity to translate methods between human subjects, rodent models
and cell preparations. To accomplish this goal, it is essential to extend earlier concepts using computational
methods, and to integrate mass spectrometry (MS) with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, in
order for the approaches to be embraced by the molecular physiologist/geneticist or clinical scientist interested
in disease physiology, they must be flexible, reliable and easy-to-use methods relevant in a wide range of
conditions. In this TR&D project we will perform cell, rodent and computational studies to develop translation
methods to address these needs. First, we will integrate tracer flux approaches and metabolomics to identify
target enzymes in the regulation of metabolism or its dysregulation during disease. Secondly, we will leverage
the specificity of NMR isotopomer analysis and the sensitivity of mass isotopomer analysis to measure flux with
high confidence on milligram scale samples. Finally, we will develop and distribute a free, open source
software platform that simulates NMR and MS data based on flux/tracer input and calculates flux from
experimental data in a single, easy to use graphical interface complete. Accomplishing these aims will provide
the scientific community with new tools that will guide tactical studies in pharmacology, genetics and clinical
science.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9850594
- **Project number:** 5P41EB015908-32
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Shawn C Burgess
- **Activity code:** P41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $318,857
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9850594

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9850594, TR&D 2: Integrated Metabolomics (5P41EB015908-32). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9850594. Licensed CC0.

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