HP-CIL Metabolomics

Why HP-CIL Metabolomics?

At TMIC’s Li Node, we understand that delving into the world of metabolome profiling can be daunting, especially when considering the potential risks and investments involved in early-stage discovery. To address these challenges and cater to various budgetary needs, we have developed a flexible and staged analysis strategy, focusing on our HP-CIL Metabolomics by Chemical Isotope Labeling LC-MS.

To increase metabolome coverage and achieve accurate quantification for all detectable metabolites, we use a unique Chemical Isotope Labeling (CIL) Metabolomics Platform (Zhao et al., 2019; 2020). Our approach analyzes four submetabolomes (channels): amine & phenol, carboxyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl, covering 85%-95% of the total metabolome. Users can choose to analyze one or more channels based on budget and desired coverage.

Evaluated Parameters

Conventional Approach

Our Approach

Detection Sensitivity

Low (many metabolites cannot be detected)

High (sensitivity increases 10-1000 folds)

Quantification Level

Semi-quantitative

Quantitative

Available Internal Standards

A few

Unique internal stanard for each metabolite

Reproducibility

CV > 20% for more than 70% of metabolites

CV < 10% for more than 90% of metabolites

Batch Effect

Obvious/unavoidable

Able to correct batch effect

Data Interpretation Software

Common public platform

Identification Database

Limited database

Three-tiered ID databases

Clinical Translation Ability

Weak and unstable

Strong and robust

         Further scientific information is available. 

Workflow

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Sample Reception: We start by receiving your raw samples, which can include a variety of biological materials such as unprocessed urine, plasma, serum, cell pellets, tissue, plant etc.
  2. Sample Aliquoting: Each sample is carefully aliquoted, depending on the number of submetabolomes (channels) required and whether a lipidome profiling analysis is also interested.
  3. Sample Analysis:  Basic HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform (one channel) is conducted.
  4. Reporting and Consultation: Following the analysis, we will provide a detailed report of the findings and engage in a consultation to discuss the results and their implications.
  5. Client Decision Point:
  • Option A: If you decide to pursue further analysis for a more comprehensive coverage, such as Elevated or Comprehensive Metabolomics Analysis and/or lipidome analysis, we seamlessly continue the process. The total cost will be determined based on the number of channels analyzed and the inclusion of lipidome analysis.
  • Option B: Should you choose not to proceed with additional analysis, only the cost of the one channel analysis will be charged.

What Is Included in Our Standard Service ?

We handle sample preparation, sample extraction, sample labeling, LC-MS analysis, data analysis, metabolite identification, and statistical analysis (volcano plots, pca, pls-da, heatmaps, etc.).

For example, our One-channel HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform is our cost-effective and flexible solution! For just $126 CAD per sample, we offer a basic one-channel analysis. This initial stage allow for the identification of 2000-3000 metabolites (not just features), providing a robust foundation for your research. This approach is not only cost-effective but also incredibly useful in shaping the direction of subsequent, more detailed GLOBAL analysis.

What Is Delivered in Our Report Package?

  • Comprehensive Metabolomics Profiling Report – Includes detailed information on experimental methods, data quality checks, metabolite identification, univariate and multivariate analysis, biomarker discovery, and pathway analysis. [see demo report]
  • Supplemental Tables (Excel Format) – Summarizes results, including peak pairs, metabolite IDs, and relative quantification data, compatible with bioinformatics tools such as MetaboAnalyst.
  • Metabolomics Analysis Report FAQ – A compiled list of frequently asked questions for quick reference and clarification.

Three-tiered ID approach:

Tier 1: CIL Library based on accurate mass, RT and peak pairs.

Tier 2: Linked Identity Library, high confidence putative identifications (90% accurate) based on accurate mass and predicted RTs.

Tier 3: Putative identification, which is primarily based on mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) data matched to database hits.

Example Result (Human Serum)

Basic HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform: a total of 2,051 peak pairs or metabolites are detected and relatively quantified
with high accuracy. Among them, 532 metabolites are identified with high confidence (Tier 1 and Tier 2) that can be used for pathway analysis. 1,313 metabolites are mass-matched (Tier 3). 206 peak pairs are unidentified or unmatched.

Elevated HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform: a total of 4,196 peak pairs or metabolites are detected and relatively quantified with high accuracy. Among them, 937 metabolites are identified with high confidence (Tier 1 and Tier 2) that can be used for pathway analysis. 2,809 metabolites are mass-matched (Tier 3). 450 peak pairs are unidentified or unmatched.

Comprehensive HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform: a total of 8,196 peak pairs or metabolites are detected and relatively quantified with high accuracy. Among them, 1,483 metabolites are identified with high confidence (Tier 1 and Tier 2) that can be used for pathway analysis. 5,523 metabolites are mass- matched (Tier 3). 1190 peak pairs are unidentified or unmatched.

Example Lists of Sample Identification for BASIC HP-CIL Metabolomics by CIL LC-MS

For more information about metabolome and pathway coverage:

Basic HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform (Amine & Phenol)

  • Academic/Government: $126 CAD per sample
  • Industry: $163.80 CAD per sample

Elevated HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform (Amine & Phenol, Carboxyl)

  • Academic/Government: $224 CAD per sample
  • Industry: $291.20 CAD per sample

Comprehensive HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform (Amine & Phenol, Carboxyl, Carbonyl, and Hydroxyl)

  • Academic/Government: $420 CAD per sample
  • Industry: $546 CAD per sample

Flexible HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform (Customized  Options)

  • Academic/Government: $126 CAD per sample for the first channel + $98 CAD for any additional channel.

For example, choose 3 channels: $126+2x$98=$322 CAD per sample.

  • Industry: $163.80 CAD per sample for the first channel + $127.40 CAD for any additional channel.

For example, choose 3 channels: $163.80+2x$127.40=$418.60 CAD per sample.

  • The above prices apply to a sample size of 20 or more. For less than 20 samples, an additional $400 CAD applies per channel.
  • All services require a flat fee of $200 CAD for sample handling per project.

The sample amount required for each level of analysis is listed below. If the sample type is not listed or the sample amount is not sufficient as shown below, please contact TMIC Li-Node (liang.li@ualberta.ca). We will discuss and try to accommodate your needs. In some cases, we may need a few test samples for method development.

Should you require further information or have any inquiries, please visit our Get a Quote page.

Funding Agencies and Partners