Metallomics: Guidelines for terminology and critical evaluation of analytical chemistry approaches (IUPAC Technical Report)

Abstract

Definitions for the terms "metallome" and "metallomics" are proposed. The state of the art of analytical techniques and methods for systematic studies of metal content, speciation, localization, and use in biological systems is briefly summarized and critically evaluated.Keywords: metals; metabolomics; metallomics; proteomics; speciation. RATIONALE AND HISTORY OF THE USE OF THE TERMS REGARDING THE METAL-RELATED -OMICSThe knowledge of the complete genetic blueprint of an increasing number of organisms has resulted in efforts aimed at the global analysis and functional study of a particular class of components of a living organism and the emergence of different "-omics". The concepts of genomics (the study of genes and their function) and proteomics (the study of the set of proteins produced by an organism, their localization, structure, stability, and interaction) have become part of the everyday language of life sciences [1,2].Metal ions are a vital component of the chemistry of life [3]. One-third of all proteins is believed to require a metal cofactor, such as copper, iron, zinc, or molybdenum [4], delivered as a simple or complex ion or a metal-containing compound (e.g., methylcobalamin). The intracellular concentration of several metals, their distribution among the various cell compartments, and their incorporation in metallo proteins are tightly controlled [5]. The understanding of mechanisms by which a metal is sensed, stored, or incorporated as a cofactor requires, in addition to the identification of metalloproteins, the characterization of the pool of non-protein molecules (products of enzymatic or biochemical reactions) interacting with metal ions or of metabolites of exogenous metallocompounds, such as metallodrugs. A systematic approach to the study of metal content, speciation, localization, and use in biological systems is becoming increasingly important [6].

Advances in Health Monitoring and Management

“…Cardiac pacemakers provide another, more complex, bioengineering example of the interrelated and interdependent biological and engineering systems. Figure 1, represents a simplified perspective of a selected biological system [8][9]. Figure 2 [10] illustrates the human levels of organization from cellular to tissue, organ and organ system (human body).…”

Metallomics Research Related to Arsenic

“…Furthermore, the third ISM (ISM 2011) will be held at the University of M€ unster, Germany, in June 15-18, 2011. Metallomics has been the topic of original papers as well as review articles in various scientific journals [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. In addition, the journal 'Metallomicsintegrated bimetal science' was launched in January, 2009, by the RSC.…”

“…[2] is introduced here because it is suggestive of the future direction of metallomics research. 1 In order to understand the relationship of metallomics with genomics, proteomics and other -omics sciences (for example, glycomics and metabolomics), a simplified model of the biological system is illustrated in Figure 4.1 [2,15], where the dotted line (inside) and continuous line (outside) indicate a biological cell and an organ/whole body, respectively. Some biological functions in the biological system are also shown in Figure 4.1.…”

“…In the early 1930s, Noddack proposed the concept of the All-Present Theory of the Elements [16,23,24], in which she suggested that all elements in the periodic table were supposed to be present in all rock and mineral samples. At present, however, owing to the progress in analytical methodology mentioned above, almost all elements can be determined or detected not only in geochemical samples but also in biological and environmental samples [2,15]. As a consequence, Haraguchi proposed the new concept of 'The Extended All-Present Theory of the Elements' [2,16,19], in which he suggested that all elements in the periodic table might be contained in all materials or substances on the earth, including biological systems, such as animals, plants and microorganisms.…”

Trace metal imaging with high spatial resolution: Applications in biomedicine

“…6 From a biomedical standpoint, metallomics investigates how the metals are bound to biomolecules, characterizes metalloproteins and/or metalloenzymes and studies the mechanisms of enzymatic and biochemical reactions, and provides a novel prospective to investigate the pathophysiological mechanism of diseases. Metallomics will also help to better understand the basic cellular nutritional requirements for essential metals.…”