Identifying and analyzing small molecules in the human body.
Official title: Mapping the Human Metabolome Using Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11110378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for tiny substances in our bodies that are important for how we function, using a new method to find them in existing health data, and the goal is to share what they discover to help improve health care for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,824 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM154990-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to neurotransmitter imbalances or sphingolipid metabolism disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-characterized metabolic disorders that do not involve the targeted small molecules may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to uncover unknown small molecules in humans that play critical roles in physiology, such as neurotransmitter derivatives and sphingolipids. By employing a novel approach called reverse metabolomics, the researchers will first synthesize these molecules and then search for their presence in existing public metabolomics data. This method allows for a more targeted identification of compounds that may be significant for understanding human health. The findings will be compiled into large libraries of metabolites, which will be made publicly available to benefit the scientific community and potentially improve patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for diseases, enhancing diagnosis and treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in metabolomics has shown promise in identifying biomarkers and understanding metabolic pathways, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gentry, Emily — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Gentry, Emily
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.