Metabolic flux analysis (MFA) has become a key approach in metabolic engineering and systems biology. In the most commonly applied approaches, fluxes are calculated by global isotopomer balancing and iterative fitting to stationary 13C-labeling data. This approach requires a closed carbon balance, persistent metabolic steady state, and the detection of 13C patterns in a large number of metabolites. The metabolic flux ratio is a number that represents the relative fraction of a given metabolite that flows through a selected reaction or pathway. The flux ratio is estimated based on a stoichiometric model, knowledge of the 13C conformation of all relevant substrates, and the labeling pattern of the metabolite as measured by mass spectrometry (or NMR). Metabolic flux ratio analysis methodology relies heavily on the acquisition of 13C-labeling data that are dedicated to metabolites close to flux convergence nodes and local parameter estimation with a system of ordinary differential equations. Creative Proteomics has introduced a novel 13C-metabolic flux ratio analysis that allows rapid estimation of local relative fluxes from 13C labeling experiments without the need for a global isotopic equilibrium.

A novel flux ratio in central carbon metabolism of E. coli. Figure 1. A novel flux ratio in central carbon metabolism of E. coli. (Kogadeeva, M.; et al. 2016)

Our Services

Creative Proteomics has developed a novel metabolic flux analysis platform to provide flux ratio analysis service in a competitive fashion. We can offer a wide range of services to support all research and development activities. We have developed a generic workflow of flux ratio analysis for data processing, modeling, parameter and error estimation considering the reaction type and the availability of mass spectrometry data on molecular ions or fragments.

Workflow for targeted flux ratio analysis

Optimizing experimental design to improve the estimation of three flux ratios in Bacillus subtilis central carbon metabolism. Figure 2. Optimizing experimental design to improve the estimation of three flux ratios in Bacillus subtilis central carbon metabolism. (Kogadeeva, M.; et al. 2016)

Advantages of Our Methods

Workflow for targeted flux ratio analysis.  Figure 3. Workflow for targeted flux ratio analysis. (Kogadeeva, M.; et al. 2016)

Features of Our MFA Platform

Based on high-performance quantitative techniques and advanced equipment, Creative Proteomics has constantly updating our metabolic flux analysis platform and is committed to offering professional, rapid and high-quality services of flux ratio analysis at competitive prices for global customers. Our personalized and comprehensive services can satisfy any innovative scientific study demands, please contact our specialists to discuss your specific needs. We are looking forward to cooperating with you!

Reference

  1. Kogadeeva, M.; et al. SUMOFLUX: A Generalized Method for Targeted 13C Metabolic Flux Ratio Analysis. PLoS Computational Biology. 2016. 12(9): e1005109.

Copyright © 2025 Creative Proteomics MFA. All rights reserved.