Page 28 - Shimadzu Journal vol.3 Issue2

Topics

Opening of the Osaka University and Shimadzu Analytical Innovation Research Laboratory
Joint Laboratory Will Focus on Developing Cutting-Edge Technology for
Comprehensively Investigating Biological Activities of Cells

Overview be performed, this research laboratory will address issues in metabolomics
Shimadzu Corporation and Osaka University have inaugurated the by integrating technology from both parties.
Osaka University and Shimadzu Analytical Innovation Research
Laboratory (mentor professor: Eiichiro Fukusaki) at the Graduate Subsequent Specific Measures
School of Engineering, Osaka University, and have initiated full-scale
research activities. The purpose of this laboratory is to establish and Using Shimadzu gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers, liquid
advance analytical techniques with respect to metabolomics. In chromatograph-mass spectrometers, supercritical fluid
particular, this laboratory will be engaged in research and chromatograph-mass spectrometers, and imaging mass microscopes, the
development of data analysis platforms based on mass spectrometers. joint research activities of this research laboratory involve both
(From December 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017) quantitative metabolomics--measuring the total quantity of metabolites
contained in samples, and imaging metabolomics--visualizing distribution
information. The laboratory will investigate the optimal conditions for
Purpose of Establishing the Research Laboratory
metabolomic techniques in a variety of fields and develop applications,
Metabolomics is a cutting-edge field of study for the comprehensive with an aim of contributing to the further dissemination and
investigation of biological activities of cells, based on exhaustive detection advancement of metabolomics.
and analysis of metabolic products in organisms, and the precise
“Metabolomics, which involves a mixture of life sciences, organic
assessment of their behavior. In recent years, metabolomics has become a
chemistry, analytical chemistry, and information science, has only just
focus of attention due to its application to a variety of fields. For instance,
started in terms of developing technologies and operating methods,”
in the field of medicine, application examples include the analysis of
said Professor Eiichiro Fukusaki, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka
physiological and pathological mechanisms, and the search for disease
University. “Therefore, we are developing new technologies for
biomarkers. In plant and food fields, examples include clarification of the
metabolomic data analysis systems and researching new operating
stress response of plants and the functional analysis of foods. In the field
methods. Through this Analytical Innovation Research Laboratory, an
of manufacturing, the improvement and optimization of fermentation
industry-academic cooperative initiative promoted by Osaka University,
productivity, as well as biofuel productivity improvements can be
we are aiming to contribute to society, not only in Japan, but also in
expected. At the same time, metabolomics involves a mixture of sciences
countries in Southeast Asia and other areas.”
and is a new research field that is still in its infancy in terms of developing
technologies and operating methods. It requires further technological “Metabolomics has attracted considerable interest as a promising means
development. of understanding fundamental biology and elucidating the function of
genes with unknown functions. Furthermore, it may also be useful for
Through many years of product development, Shimadzu has accumulated
medical treatments, foods, and the molecular breeding of industrial
vast knowledge and expertise on mass spectrometry technology that
microorganisms,” said Teruhisa Ueda, General Manager, Analytical &
demonstrates its merits in the simultaneous analysis of complicated and
Measuring Instruments Division, Shimadzu Corporation. “It will be
diverse components, and is applying this technology to advance responses
important to develop the optimal methods and applications to suit these
to metabolomics-related needs. Professor Fukusaki at Osaka University is a
objectives. Through this joint research laboratory with Osaka University,
leading researcher in the development and application of metabolomics,
we will strive for new problem-solving techniques and aim for
and has cutting-edge expertise with respect to pretreatment methods,
revolutionary breakthroughs, while redoubling efforts to create returns
analysis methods, and data analysis methods. By making use of the merits
to society, including human resources.”
of the joint research course program system, where advanced cooperative
research aimed at resolving issues shared by business and academia can For more details, visit:
http://www.shimadzu.com/labcamp/
What is the measurement objective?
Total amount of metabolites Metabolite distribution
Quantitative metabolomics Imaging metabolomics
Gas chromatograph Liquid chromatograph Imaging mass
mass spectrometer mass spectrometer microscope
Quantitative determination of the metabolites in a sample can By measuring and superimposing an optical / fluorescence
be conducted by chromatographically separating the respective microscope image on an MS (MS/MS) imaging screen, it is possible
sample components, and then measuring those separated to obtain both form and metabolite localization information.
components using a mass spectrometer.
Mass Spectrometers Used in Metabolomics

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