Metabolomics
The metabolome of the organism is closely linked to its phenotype and thus
forms an important tool in studying disease biology.
We currently use Mass Spectrometry based analysis of malaria-infected
erythrocytes from in vitro cultures as well as from
patients’ serum to identify unique malaria-specific biomarkers. This would
enable accurate detection of sub-microscopic infections overcoming the
limitations of traditional malaria-detection techniques. A similar
approach is also used for studying other human and animal diseases in
our laboratory. A quantitative,
targeted as well as un-targeted, global metabolomics approach is being
used to decipher the metabolic pathways in human diseases.
We also use the mass spectrometry approach to identify in-born errors of metabolism in neonates. These disorders constitute a diverse heterogenous group of disorders and a significant percentage of neonates suffer from these disorders. Early detection by using the highly sensitive method of mass spectrometry could potentially help provide early diagnosis and appropriate disease management strategy for children suffering from these diseases.