Comprehensive Amino Acids and Derivatives Analysis with Targeted Metabolomics Platform

After over a decade of method development, Creative Proteomics has built a robust platform combining GC-MS and LC-MS/MS to quantify and characterise more than 100 amino acids and their derivatives.

This targeted metabolomics service includes:

  • 8 essential amino acids crucial for protein synthesis and metabolic regulation
  • 2 semi-essential and several conditionally essential amino acids, whose roles shift during stress or disease
  • 10 non-essential amino acids, important for cellular function and neurotransmission
  • A wide array of bioactive amino acid derivatives, such as precursors to serotonin and nitric oxide
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  • Introduction
  • Our Services
  • Workflow
  • Platform
  • Advantage
  • Application
  • Sample Requirement
  • FAQ
  • Case Study
  • Publication

Why Targeted Metabolomics for Amino Acids Matters

Amino acids are far more than just the building blocks of proteins. They influence everything from cell signaling and gene expression to immune function and neurotransmitter balance. Their derivatives, such as serotonin, dopamine, and nitric oxide, are equally vital.

Targeted metabolomics focuses on the precise quantification of specific metabolites—in this case, amino acids and their derivatives. Unlike untargeted methods, targeted metabolomics offers higher sensitivity and specificity, making it the method of choice for biomarker discovery, metabolic pathway analysis, and disease research.

At Creative Proteomics, we offer comprehensive Amino Acid Analysis services, leveraging state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technologies to deliver precise, reproducible, and actionable results.

Application AreaAmino Acids StudiedKey Benefit
OncologyArginine, Serine, GlutamineBiomarker discovery & metabolic shifts
Nutrition & DietBCAAs, Essential AAsMetabolic balance, muscle metabolism
NeurologyTryptophan, TyrosineNeurotransmitter regulation

What Is Targeted Metabolomics? And Why Focus on Amino Acids?

Targeted metabolomics involves the selective analysis of specific compounds, using high-precision tools like LC-MS/MS or GC-MS. When applied to amino acids and their derivatives, it helps researchers:

  • Understand cellular metabolic flux
  • Monitor physiological changes in disease
  • Identify novel biomarkers for early detection

Compared to untargeted approaches, targeted metabolomics provides higher precision and lower detection limits—ideal for quantifying amino acids even in complex biological samples.

Learn more about amino acid composition analysis to understand protein structure and function in-depth.

How Creative Proteomics Delivers High-Accuracy Amino Acid Analysis

Creative Proteomics has become a global leader in contract research, known for its cutting-edge platforms and personalized service. We support academic labs, pharmaceutical firms, and biotech companies across a wide range of amino acid-related studies.

Why Choose Us:

Mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics

High-throughput and high-sensitivity

Customizable panels of amino acids & derivatives

Expert consulting and rapid data turnaround

ProviderTechniqueAmino Acids CoveredKey Applications
Creative ProteomicsMS, LC-MS/MSWide-ranging AAs and derivativesPreclinical, Nutritional, Oncology
LC-MS22 metabolitesNeuroscience, Diabetes
GC/MS, LC/MS/MS70+ AAsPharma, Proteins

Explore our specialized services:

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Analysis

Aromatic Amino Acids Analysis

Quantitative Amino Acids List
NoMetaboliteNoMetaboliteNoMetaboliteNoMetabolite
1Glycine30L-Homoserine59Cysteinylglycine88N-Acetylcysteine
2L-Alanine31L-Thyronine60Guanidoacetic acid89N-Acetylglutamic acid
3L-Arginine321-Methyl-L-histidine61Homocitrulline90N-Acetylglutamine
4L-Asparagine333-Methyl-L-histidine62Homoarginine91N-Acetylhistidine
5L-Aspartic acid342-aminobutyric acid63Argininosuccinic acid92N-Acetylisoleucine
6L-Cysteine352-Aminoisobutyric acid64Glycylproline93N-Acetylleucine
7L-Cystine363-Aminobutyric acid65Glycyl-L-leucine94N-Acetylmethionine
8L-Glutamic acid373-Aminoisobutyric acid66Carnosine95N-Acetylphenylalanine
9L-Glutamine38Gamma-Aminobutyric acid67Anserine96N-Acetylproline
10L-Histidine392,3-Diaminopropionic acid68Cystathionine97N-Acetyltryptophan
11L-Isoleucine402-Aminoadipic acid69Glycyl-glycine98N-Acetyltyrosine
12L-Leucine413-Chlorotyrosine70O-Acetylserine99N-Acetylvaline
13L-Lysine422-Phenylglycine71Phenylacetylglutamine100N-Acetyllysine
14L-Methionine433-Methylcrotonylglycine72Phenylacetylglycine101N-Acetylcitrulline
15L-Ornithine443-Nitrotyrosine73Phosphoserine102N6-Acetyllysine
16L-Phenylalanine454-Acetamidobutyric acid74S-Adenosylhomocysteine103Ureidopropionic acid
17L-Proline464-Amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid75S-Adenosylmethionine104Ureidosuccinic acid
18L-Serine474-Hydroxyphenylglycine76S-Carboxymethylcysteine105Cinnamoylglycine
19L-Threonine484-Hydroxyproline77Methylcysteine106Formylglycine
20L-Tryptophan495-Aminopentanoic acid78gamma-Glutamylalanine107Isobutyrylglycine
21L-Tyrosine505-Hydroxytryptophan79gamma-Glutamylglutamine108Isovalerylglycine
22L-Valine515-Hydroxylysine80N-Acetylaspartylglutamic acid109N-Phenylacetylphenylalanine
23L-Norleucine526-Aminocaproic acid81Phenylalanylphenylalanine110Tiglylglycine
24L-Norvaline53Asymmetric dimethylarginine82Dimethylglycine111Valylglycine
25L-Pipecolic acid54Symmetric dimethylarginine83N-Acetylarginine1123-Iodo-L-tyrosine
26L-Kynurenine55Beta-Alanine84N2-Acetylornithine1133,5-Diiodo-L-tyrosine
27L-Allo-isoleucine56Pyroglutamic acid85Acetylglycine114Thyroxine
28L-Homocysteine57Citrulline86N-Acetylalanine

29L-Homocystine58Creatine87N-Acetylaspartic acid

Amino Acids and Derivatives Analysis Workflow

Techniques Used in Amino Acid Targeted Metabolomics

Creative Proteomics employs a variety of high-end analytical tools to support amino acid studies:

Agilent UHPLC-MS/MS

Waters UPLC-AB Sciex MS/MS

Thermo Scientific Orbitrap MS

Agilent GC-MS

These technologies ensure maximum sensitivity, even in complex biological samples such as plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or plant extracts.

Why Our Mass Spectrometry Platform Sets the Standard

At Creative Proteomics, our targeted metabolomics platform powered by advanced mass spectrometry doesn't just deliver high-quality data—it solves real-world research challenges.

Key Advantages

High Specificity: Accurately detects target amino acids with minimal background interference

Ultra Sensitivity: Captures low-abundance amino acid derivatives in complex samples

Data Consistency: Ensures reproducibility across replicates and batches through strict quality control

How We Overcome Common Analytical Hurdles

Many studies struggle with unstable metabolites, interfering sample matrices, or sensitivity limitations. Our platform addresses these pain points through:

Optimised Sample Handling: Minimises degradation of sensitive amino acid derivatives

Advanced Purification Workflows: Reduces background noise and matrix effects

Routine Instrument Calibration: Maintains consistent high-resolution performance

Multi-Omics Integration for Deeper Insights

We go beyond targeted metabolomics by offering multi-omics solutions that connect metabolic data with upstream biological events:

Proteomics + Metabolomics: Correlate amino acid levels with protein expression dynamics

Transcriptomics Integration: Reveal gene-level regulation of amino acid metabolism

Our integrated approach empowers researchers to understand not just what changes—but why those changes matter across biological systems.

Real-World Applications of Amino Acid Metabolomics

Amino acid targeted metabolomics is transforming research across a wide range of disciplines. By enabling precise analysis of amino acids and their bioactive derivatives, this approach provides deep insights into cellular function, metabolic regulation, and disease progression.

Biomedical & Clinical Research

Nutrition Science: Monitor metabolic responses to diet, supplements, or fasting protocols

Neuroscience: Track neurotransmitter precursors like tryptophan and tyrosine in mood and cognitive disorders

Diabetes Research: Use branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) as early biomarkers for insulin resistance

Oncology: Analyze glutamine, serine, and arginine metabolism in tumor growth and immune evasion

Cardiology: Study homocysteine and arginine levels in assessing cardiovascular disease risk

Preclinical and Translational Research

Biological Signature Profiling: Identify characteristic amino acid patterns associated with different physiological or metabolic states

Dynamic Response Assessment: Track shifts in amino acid levels under varying experimental or environmental conditions

Functional Mechanism Exploration: Investigate how fluctuations in amino acid concentrations influence broader biological processes and system behaviour

Broader Scientific & Industrial Applications

Natural Product & Drug Discovery: Identify bioactive amino acid derivatives from plants and microbes for pharmaceutical use

Food & Nutrition Science: Ensure amino acid content, safety, and functional claims in supplements and functional foods

Toxicology Studies: Examine how toxins affect amino acid pathways and metabolic health

Agricultural Research: Assess amino acid roles in crop stress resistance, livestock nutrition, and forest resilience

Environmental Studies: Use amino acid profiling in soil, water, and ecological assessments to track contamination or biogeochemical cycles

Sample Requirements

Sample TypeMinimum Requirement
Animal and Clinical Tissue Samples> 5-10 mg
Blood Samples (Serum, Plasma, Whole Blood)> 10 μL
Urine Sample> 10 μL
Fecal and Intestinal Contents> 10 mg
Body Fluid Samples (Cerebrospinal Fluid, Saliva, etc.)> 5-10 μL
Plant Tissue Samples (Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, etc.)> 10 mg
Cells and Microorganisms> 1 x 10^5 cells
Culture Medium and Fermentation Broth> 10 μL

FAQs About Amino Acid Targeted Metabolomics

What is targeted metabolomics, and how does it apply to amino acids?

It is the selective analysis of specific metabolites, like amino acids, using high-precision methods like MRM-MS. It enables better disease insights and biomarker identification.

What are the benefits of using mass spectrometry in amino acid analysis?

MS offers unmatched specificity and sensitivity for detecting amino acids in complex biological samples.

How do amino acids and their derivatives impact biological processes?

They regulate cell communication, neurotransmission, immune responses, and protein synthesis.

What are some common applications of amino acid targeted metabolomics?

Cancer research, cardiovascular risk profiling, nutrition, and metabolic disease studies.

What challenges are faced in analyzing amino acids and their derivatives?

Complexity of samples, need for advanced instruments, and maintaining metabolite stability.

Learn about other Q&A about proteomics technology.

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Case Studies

Characterization of Dnajc12 Knock-Out Mice, a Model of Hypodopaminergia

  • Background
  • Methods
  • Creative Proteomics’ Role
  • Conclusion

Mutations in DNAJC12, a co-chaperone of aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, are linked to neurodevelopmental and movement disorders including infantile dystonia and dopamine-responsive parkinsonism. DNAJC12 plays a critical role in the stabilization of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1)—key enzymes in dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) biosynthesis. To explore the functional implications of DNAJC12 deficiency, researchers generated a Dnajc12 knockout (DKO) mouse model to investigate its impact on dopaminergic signaling and behavior.

The study employed a multifaceted approach:

Genetic engineering to create a constitutive Dnajc12 knockout (V27Wfs*44) mouse model.

Behavioral assays (open field, grip strength, balance beam) to assess locomotor and exploratory function.

Molecular analyses, including Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation, to evaluate interactions between DNAJC12 and DA/5-HT biosynthetic enzymes.

Neurochemical assays, including fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and HPLC, to quantify DA and 5-HT in brain regions.

Targeted metabolomics of plasma samples to measure amino acids and related metabolites.

As part of the metabolomics workflow, Creative Proteomics conducted targeted analysis of free amino acids and related metabolites using UPLC-MRM/MS. This service enabled precise quantification of key metabolites from mouse plasma, including phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), and tryptophan (Trp). The results showed a marked increase in plasma Phe in DKO mice, aligning with the known co-chaperone role of DNAJC12 in stabilizing phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Notably, other amino acids such as Tyr and Trp were unchanged, helping to localize the metabolic effect.

Mass spectrometry analysis reveals elevated phenylalanine levels in the plasma of Dnajc12 knockout mice compared to wild-type controls.Elevated plasma phenylalanine in DKO mice

This comprehensive study provided new insights into how DNAJC12 dysfunction disrupts dopamine and serotonin biosynthesis, alters synaptic protein expression, and impairs behavior. Crucially, Creative Proteomics' targeted metabolomics service offered high-resolution biochemical data supporting the hypothesis that DNAJC12 loss leads to selective metabolic perturbations—specifically, hyperphenylalaninemia without systemic amino acid imbalance. These findings not only validate the murine DKO model for further study but also demonstrate the utility of amino acid profiling in neurological disease research.

Our Amino Acid Analysis Review

More Publications

Partner with Creative Proteomics for Expert Amino Acid Analysis

Whether you're conducting academic research or developing a new therapeutic, our Amino Acids and Derivatives Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Services provide the reliability, depth, and precision you need. With cutting-edge tools, a team of expert analysts, and customized service plans, Creative Proteomics is your ideal partner in amino acid metabolomics.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help accelerate your discoveries.

Metabolomics Sample Submission Guidelines

Download our Metabolomics Sample Preparation Guide for essential instructions on proper sample collection, storage, and transport for optimal experimental results. The guide covers various sample types, including tissues, serum, urine, and cells, along with quantity requirements for untargeted and targeted metabolomics.

Metabolomics Sample Submission Guidelines
* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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