Retinoic Acid Analysis Service

Creative Proteomics offers specialized retinoic acid (RA) analysis to accurately quantify low-abundance, light-sensitive RA isomers and metabolites in complex samples. Using advanced LC-MS/MS and HPLC-UV platforms, we provide isomer-specific detection down to 0.01 ng/mL. Our services include quantitative profiling, untargeted metabolomics, and pharmacokinetic studies, supporting research in oncology, dermatology, and toxicology. With robust anti-interference measures and light-protected protocols, we deliver reliable data to advance understanding of RA's roles in disease.

Submit Your Request Now

Submit Your Request Now

Download Our Metabolomics Solution Brochure

What We Provide
Advantages
Technology Platform
Sample Requirements
FAQ
Publications

What is Retinoic Acid?

Retinoic acid (RA) is a crucial metabolite of vitamin A (retinol) that plays a significant role in cell differentiation, embryonic development, and immune function. It is widely studied in dermatology, oncology, and neuroscience due to its regulatory impact on gene expression via nuclear receptors. Retinoic acid exists in multiple isomeric forms, primarily all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), 9-cis retinoic acid, and 13-cis retinoic acid, each with distinct biological activities. Given its low concentration in biological samples and structural instability, precise quantification and characterization of RA are critical for biomedical research and pharmaceutical development.

Retinoic Acid Analysis Service Offered by Creative Proteomics

Retinoic Acid Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Accurate measurement of retinoic acid and its metabolites in plasma, serum, tissue, urine, and cell culture media.
Isomer-Specific Detection: Differentiation and quantification of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), 9-cis retinoic acid, and 13-cis retinoic acid.
Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics: Comprehensive analysis of retinoic acid biosynthesis and metabolic pathways.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies: Reliable data to support drug development and therapeutic evaluation.
Custom Method Development and Validation: Tailored analytical solutions to meet specific research needs.

List of Retinoic Acid and Related Metabolites

Category	Metabolite	Abbreviation
Retinoic Acids	All-trans Retinoic Acid	ATRA
	9-cis Retinoic Acid	9-cis RA
	13-cis Retinoic Acid	13-cis RA
Retinoic Acid Metabolites	4-oxo-All-trans RA	4-oxo-ATRA
	4-oxo-9-cis RA	4-oxo-9-cis RA
	4-oxo-13-cis RA	4-oxo-13-cis RA
	18-hydroxy-RA	18-OH-RA
	5,6-epoxy-RA	5,6-Epoxy-RA
Retinoids and Precursors	Retinol	ROL
	Retinaldehyde	RAL
	Retinyl Esters	RE
Conjugated Metabolites	Glucuronidated RA	RA-Gluc

Advantages of Retinoic Acid Assay

High Sensitivity and Precision: Detects RA isomers (e.g., all-trans RA, 9-cis RA) at levels as low as 0.01 ng/mL using LC-MS/MS, ensuring accurate quantification in trace biological samples.
Superior Resolution: Achieves >95% chromatographic resolution for structurally similar metabolites (e.g., 4-oxo-RA), reducing cross-reactivity and false positives.
Multi-Receptor Profiling: Evaluates RA activity across six nuclear receptors (e.g., RARα, LXRα, PPARγ) for insights into differentiation, lipid metabolism, and endocrine disruption.
Robust Anti-Interference: Utilizes solid-phase extraction and light-protected protocols to minimize matrix interference (e.g., lipids in liver tissue) and protect light-sensitive RA derivatives.
Customizable Panels: Offers tailored multiplex assays combining RA with biomarkers (e.g., vitamin D, carotenoids) for comprehensive metabolic profiling.
Comprehensive Data Integrity: Provides raw chromatograms, calibration curves, and validation reports to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Technology Platforms for Retinoic Acid Analysis Service

HPLC-UV (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV Detection)

Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC (Figure from Agilent)

GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)

7890B Gas Chromatograph + 5977 Single Quadrupole

Agilent 7890B-5977B (Figure from Agilent)

LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry)

SCIEX Triple Quad™ 6500+ (Figure from Sciex)

LC-MS

Q Exactive™ Plus Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometer (Figure from Thermo)

Sample Requirements for Retinoic Acid Analysis Service

Sample Type	Sample Volume	Collection Method	Storage Conditions
Plasma	200–500 µL	Collected in EDTA or heparin tubes	-80°C for long-term storage
Serum	200–500 µL	Collected in plain tubes, allow to clot, centrifuge	-80°C for long-term storage
Cell Lysates	50–100 µL	Homogenize cells in appropriate buffer	-80°C or liquid nitrogen
Tissues (e.g., liver, kidney)	20–50 mg	Snap-frozen or stored in RNA/DNA preservative buffer	-80°C for long-term storage
Urine	1–5 mL	Collected in sterile containers	-20°C to -80°C
Saliva	1–2 mL	Collected using passive drool or collection tubes	-80°C for long-term storage
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)	1–2 mL	Collected via lumbar puncture	-80°C for long-term storage

Applications of Retinoic Acid Assay Service

Cancer Research

Monitoring RA-induced gene expression, cell differentiation, and apoptosis markers (e.g., cleaved PARP) in cancer cells.

Endocrine Disruption

Evaluating RA's role in disrupting endocrine pathways and hormone regulation.

Toxicology Studies

Screening for RA-disrupting pollutants, such as organophosphate flame retardants, in environmental and biological samples.

Neurobiology

Investigating RA's impact on neuronal differentiation, brain development, and synaptic plasticity.

Developmental Biology

Studying RA's role in embryonic development, organogenesis, and cell differentiation processes.

Environmental Research

Assessing environmental contamination with RA-related compounds and their impact on ecosystems.

Nutritional Research

Analyzing retinol (vitamin A) and its metabolites to evaluate vitamin A status and its metabolic effects.

Disease Biomarker Discovery

Identifying RA-related biomarkers in various non-clinical conditions, such as metabolic or autoimmune research.

Pharmacology

Investigating RA's effects on nuclear receptors (e.g., RAR, PPARγ) and related molecular pathways.

Demo

Graph showing calibration range, LLOQ, LLOD, and R². Below, two chromatograms of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) at LLOQ (top) and LLOD (bottom).

Linearity and limitations. (A) Calibration range (50-3200 pg·mL−1), lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) (6.4/1), lower limit of detection (LLOD) (3.2/1), and R². (B) Total ion chromatogram of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) for LLOQ (top) and LLOD (bottom) (Morgenstern, Jakob, et al., 2021).

Comparison of biological and synthetic retinoid mass spectra (Chithalen, James V., et al., 2002).

FAQ of Retinoic Acid Analysis Service

How should light-sensitive samples be handled?

Retinoic acid is highly light-sensitive and prone to degradation. To prevent this:

Collect samples using amber tubes or wrap them in foil.
Minimize light exposure during sample preparation and storage.
Store samples at -80°C for long-term preservation.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain sample integrity.

Can you analyze plant or food samples for retinoic acid?

Yes, we provide validated methods for analyzing retinoic acid in plant tissues, oils, and fortified food products. Our customized extraction and purification protocols ensure accurate quantification, even in complex matrices. Contact us for tailored solutions for your specific sample type.

What are the detection limits for retinoic acid isomers?

Our advanced instruments offer highly sensitive detection for retinoic acid isomers:

HPLC-UV: Detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL for routine analysis.
LC-MS/MS: Detection limit of 0.01 ng/mL for trace-level quantification.

Do you quantify oxidative metabolites like 4-oxo-retinoic acid?

Yes, we provide accurate quantification of oxidative retinoic acid metabolites, including 4-oxo-RA and other derivatives. Using LC-MS/MS, we achieve a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 ng/mL for these metabolites, ensuring reliable data for pharmacokinetic and biochemical studies.

Can I request raw data or method validation reports?

Yes. Full LC-MS/MS chromatograms, calibration curves, and validation data (accuracy, precision) are provided upon request.

What if my sample contains high lipid content?

Lipid-rich matrices (e.g., liver tissue) undergo SPE cleanup to eliminate interference, ensuring accurate quantification.

Learn about other Q&A.

Load More FAQs

Retinoic Acid Analysis Service Case Study

Article

Quantification of All-Trans Retinoic Acid in Type 2 Diabetes Plasma

Publications

Here are some of the metabolomics-related papers published by our clients:

A non-probiotic fermented soy product reduces total and ldl cholesterol: A randomized controlled crossover trial. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020535
Resting natural killer cell homeostasis relies on tryptophan/NAD+ metabolism and HIF‐1α. 2023. https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202256156
Enhance trial: effects of NAD3® on hallmarks of aging and clinical endpoints of health in middle aged adults: a subset analysis focused on blood cell NAD+ concentrations and lipid metabolism. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia2010002
Dimethyl fumarate treatment restrains the antioxidative capacity of T cells to control autoimmunity. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab307
Function and regulation of a steroidogenic CYP450 enzyme in the mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011566

More Publications

References

Morgenstern, Jakob, et al. "Quantification of all-trans retinoic acid by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and association with lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes." Metabolites 11.1 (2021): 60. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11010060
Chithalen, James V., et al. "HPLC-MS/MS analysis of the products generated from all-trans-retinoic acid using recombinant human CYP26A." Journal of lipid research 43.7 (2002): 1133-1142. https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.M100343-JLR200

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.

Download

Metabolomics Sample Submission Guidelines

* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Inquiry

Support Documents

We have prepared a variety of materials for anyone interested in our solutions. Here are some of our recommended materials for your review!
See All Resources→

From Our Clients

"I recently used their proteomics service for a project analyzing protein interactions in yeast models. The team was very responsive and helped clarify the methodology they employed, which made me feel confident in the results. The data quality was solid, with clear identification of several key proteins involved in our study. Their thorough analysis enabled me to pinpoint specific interactions that I hadn't considered before, which significantly improved the direction of my research. I appreciate their professionalism and support throughout the process."

Sarah Thompson, University of California, Berkeley

"Our lab collaborated with them on a project studying cancer biomarkers. The proteomics analysis provided was detailed and focused, specifically highlighting the differential expression of proteins between healthy and tumor samples. Their clear explanations of the data helped my team understand the biological implications. I also appreciated their willingness to revise the reports based on our feedback, ensuring that we had everything we needed for our publication. This collaborative spirit was invaluable."

Emily Rodriguez, Stanford University

"Our lab worked with them on a project studying the effects of diet on gut microbiota using proteomics. They used a label-free quantification method to analyze proteins in fecal samples before and after dietary intervention. The results showed significant changes in protein expression linked to microbial activity. This was pivotal for our hypothesis about diet-microbiota interactions. The clarity of their data presentation made it easy for our team to integrate these findings into our ongoing research."

Dr. Lisa Wong, University of Toronto

"My experience with Creative Proteomics during the mass spectrometry analysis was excellent. We sent in human saliva and mouse brain tissue samples, which they expertly analyzed using both LC-MS and GC-MS techniques. The results were invaluable, revealing key metabolites in the saliva and identifying biomarkers linked to brain function in the brain tissue."

Dr. Emily Carter, Senior Research Scientist

"The overall service from Creative Proteomics was outstanding. They made the entire process seamless and efficient, allowing us to focus on our research. We worked with leaf and root samples from various Arabidopsis genotypes for targeted metabolomics analysis. Their thorough profiling of primary and secondary metabolites gave us important insights into how the plants respond metabolically to environmental stress."

Dr. Laura Henderson, Plant Physiologist

"We had a pleasant collaboration with Creative Proteomics on mass spectrometry analysis of lipids. They conducted a detailed analysis of lipid species, providing us with important insights into lipid metabolism and its relationship with metabolic syndrome disease states."

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Research Scientist

Online Inquiry

Please submit a detailed description of your project. We will provide you with a customized project plan to meet your research requests. You can also send emails directly to for inquiries.

Great Minds Choose Creative Proteomics