News:  Fiehnlab releases two open source databases at the ASMS. Check it out: SetupX and BinBase.
Query BinBase to compare mass spectra across more than 40 species in over 15,000 samples.

The Fiehn research laboratory develops improved methods in analytical chemistry and bioinformatics to capture and utilize metabolomic data. These tools are employed to understand, which parts of larger biochemical networks respond to genetic perturbation or environmental stress.

Metabolomics is the identification and quantification of all metabolites in a given biological situation. This task is a demanding challenge, for which we develop analytical methods, mostly using mass spectrometry coupled to gas and liquid chromatography (GC/MS and LC/MS). However, for de novo identification of unknown metabolites, methods in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are equally important which we garner in collaboration with the UC Davis NMR core center. Currently, we hold mass spectra, retention indices, structures and links to external metabolic databases for 713 identified compounds which are routinely screened by gas chromatography – time of flight and quadrupole mass spectrometry. For both instrument types, we have licensed out the libraries for general use to mass spectrometry vendors. In addition we develop and apply metabolomic and metabolic fingerprinting methods by high resolution LC/MS and by direct infusion – mass spectrometry. The readout of metabolomic data acquisition is then structured by an in-house programmed database, BinBase which is seamlessly integrated with the study design database SetupX.

Metabolomics applications follow a two-tiered approach: they can be used for sample discrimination and classification (e.g. for clinical diagnostics or GMO substantial equivalence), or for biochemical and mechanistic studies (e.g. for understanding the onset and progression of human diseases, or for detailing regulatory modules in cells or subcellular compartments). Therefore, the Fiehn research laboratory uses several biological models on organismal, tissue or cellular level which are detailed in the Projects page.