fluxomics

Definition

Fluxomics is the comprehensive study of metabolic fluxes—the rates at which metabolites are converted through biochemical reactions within cellular metabolic networks. Unlike metabolomics, which measures static metabolite concentrations, fluxomics quantifies the dynamic flow of matter through metabolic pathways, providing insights into cellular metabolic activity and regulation. This is typically achieved through isotope labeling experiments (such as 13C-tracing) combined with mathematical modeling. Fluxomics reveals how cells allocate resources, respond to perturbations, and maintain homeostasis, making it essential for understanding metabolic diseases, optimizing bioprocessing, and identifying therapeutic targets in cancer and metabolic disorders.

Visualize fluxomics in Nodes Bio

Researchers can visualize metabolic flux distributions as weighted network graphs where nodes represent metabolites or reactions and edge weights indicate flux magnitudes. Nodes Bio enables comparison of flux patterns across different conditions, highlighting pathway bottlenecks, alternative routes, and metabolic reprogramming. Network layouts can reveal coordinated flux changes in interconnected pathways, facilitating identification of regulatory nodes and metabolic vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention.

Example Use Case

Cancer researchers investigating Warburg effect mechanisms use fluxomics to trace 13C-glucose through glycolysis and the TCA cycle in tumor cells versus normal cells. By measuring flux distributions, they discover that cancer cells divert glucose-derived carbons toward biosynthetic pathways supporting rapid proliferation rather than complete oxidation. Network visualization reveals increased flux through serine biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism, identifying potential drug targets. Comparing flux networks between drug-resistant and sensitive cell lines uncovers metabolic adaptations that confer resistance.

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