Mitochondrial metabolomics using high-resolution fourier-transform mass spectrometry

High-resolution Fourier-transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) provides important advantages in studies of metabolism because more than half of common intermediary metabolites can be measured in 10 min with minimal pre-detector separation and without ion dissociation. This capability allows unprecedented opportunity to study complex metabolic systems, such as mitochondria. Analysis of mouse liver mitochondria using FTMS with liquid chromatography shows that sex and genotypic differences in mitochondrial metabolism can be readily distinguished. Additionally, differences in mitochondrial function are readily measured, and many of the mitochondria-related metabolites are also measurable in plasma. Thus, application of high-resolution mass spectrometry provides an approach for integrated studies of complex metabolic processes of mitochondrial function and dysfunction in disease.