Hmdb - human metabolome database

Definition

The Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) is a comprehensive and freely accessible resource that provides detailed information about human metabolites, their biological roles, and the biochemical pathways they are involved in. It serves as a vital tool for researchers in metabolomics, enabling the identification, characterization, and understanding of metabolites present in human tissues, biofluids, and cell lines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HMDB contains information on over 40,000 metabolites, including their structures, concentrations, and biological functions.
2. It provides data on metabolite interactions with drugs, enzymes, and other compounds, which can help in understanding disease mechanisms.
3. The database integrates metabolomic data with genomic and proteomic information, allowing for a more comprehensive view of human biology.
4. HMDB is a crucial resource for clinical studies, aiding in biomarker discovery and precision medicine by linking metabolic profiles to health outcomes.
5. Regular updates to HMDB ensure that it includes the latest research findings and metabolomic data, making it a dynamic tool for ongoing scientific inquiry.

Review Questions

• How does the Human Metabolome Database support research in metabolomics?
  • The Human Metabolome Database supports research in metabolomics by providing extensive data on human metabolites, including their structures, functions, and interactions within biochemical pathways. This comprehensive resource enables researchers to identify specific metabolites linked to various biological processes and diseases. By offering a platform for data integration with genomic and proteomic information, HMDB enhances the understanding of metabolic networks and their roles in health and disease.
• Discuss the role of HMDB in advancing personalized medicine through its integration with clinical data.
  • HMDB plays a significant role in advancing personalized medicine by linking metabolic profiles to clinical data. By identifying biomarkers associated with specific diseases or conditions through metabolomic analyses, researchers can tailor treatments based on individual metabolic responses. This integration facilitates the discovery of potential therapeutic targets and aids in developing interventions that consider a patient's unique metabolic makeup, thus improving health outcomes.
• Evaluate how HMDB's regular updates impact the field of metabolomics and biomedical research.
  • HMDB's regular updates significantly impact the field of metabolomics and biomedical research by ensuring that researchers have access to the most current information on metabolites and their roles in human biology. These updates incorporate new findings from ongoing research, which helps refine our understanding of metabolic pathways and their implications for health. Consequently, this continuous influx of data fosters innovation in biomarker discovery, drug development, and our overall comprehension of complex diseases, making HMDB an indispensable resource in modern science.

Related terms

Metabolomics: The study of small molecules, known as metabolites, in biological samples to understand the metabolic processes and pathways in organisms.

Biochemical Pathways: Series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell that lead to the conversion of substrates into products, playing critical roles in metabolism.

Mass Spectrometry: An analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, commonly employed in the identification and quantification of metabolites.