What can IC-MS bring to metabolomics?

Prof. McCullagh's research explores the integration of ion-exchange chromatography with mass spectrometry (IC-MS) to enhance metabolomics studies. This technique addresses the challenges of analyzing highly polar and ionic metabolites, which are often difficult to separate using traditional methods like HILIC. IC-MS provides high sensitivity and reproducibility, making it ideal for studying primary metabolic pathways and detecting metabolites such as phosphorylated sugars, TCA cycle intermediates, and organic acids.

The presentation highlights the development of anion exchange chromatography (AEC) methods, which have proven effective in separating and identifying metabolites in various biological matrices, including urine and cellular samples. Prof. McCullagh emphasizes the importance of IC-MS in filling gaps left by other chromatographic techniques, particularly in untargeted metabolomics, where reproducible retention times are crucial for accurate metabolite identification. The technology's ability to handle complex samples with minimal preparation further enhances its utility in metabolomics research. 

Learning points:

• Enhanced Metabolite Analysis: IC-MS significantly improves the analysis of highly polar and ionic metabolites, which are challenging to separate using traditional chromatographic methods, thus providing more comprehensive metabolomic profiles. 
• High Sensitivity and Reproducibility: The technique offers high sensitivity and reproducibility, making it ideal for studying primary metabolic pathways and ensuring accurate metabolite identification, especially in untargeted metabolomics. 
• Effective Separation Techniques: The development and application of anion exchange chromatography (AEC) methods enable effective separation and identification of metabolites in complex biological matrices, enhancing the overall utility and accuracy of metabolomics research. 

Who should attend:

• Metabolomics Researchers: The enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility of IC-MS are crucial for accurately analyzing highly polar and ionic metabolites, improving the study of primary metabolic pathways. 
• Clinical Scientists: The ability to detect and identify metabolites in complex biological samples, such as urine and cellular extracts, can aid in biomarker discovery and the understanding of disease mechanisms. 
• Analytical Chemists: Professionals focused on developing and optimizing chromatographic techniques will benefit from the insights into anion exchange chromatography (AEC) methods, which offer improved separation and identification of challenging metabolites. 

If you cannot attend this webinar please register to receive a link to the On Demand version the following day. 

Presenter: Prof. James McCullagh (Professor, University of Oxford)

James McCullagh is Professor of Biological Chemistry and Director of the Mass Spectrometry Research Facility based in the Department of Chemistry. His research focusses on understanding the function of small molecules in biological, biomedical and environmental systems, with particular focus on metabolism and metabolomics. He has 20 years of experience in the development of (bio)analytical chemistry techniques, in particular using mass spectrometry, with applications in chemical, biological and medical research. He is highly collaborative and works with academia and industry partners. He has authored/co-authored over 100 journal publications, book chapters and articles including aMass Spectrometry textbook.He lectures on undergraduate and graduate analytical chemistry courses and runs workshops for post-graduate researchers in mass spectrometry methods, metabolomics, chemometrics and bioinformatics. He is a graduate (D.Phil.) and undergraduate (M.Chem.) supervisor. He has served on various national administrative and conference committees and provides consultancy in the field of mass spectrometry and bioanalytical science to a variety of commercial enterprises. He is currentlyCell Metabolism section editorfor the journal Metabolites and an editorial board member for the journal Scientific Reports.

James McCullagh is also Director of theMass Spectrometry Research Facility SRF,based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry. This houses over £10 million in analytical instrumentation with 20 mass spectrometer systems supporting academic research. He manages a team of permanent mass spectrometry staff who provide analytical service provision for the Department, wider University and external organisations including industry.