Research

The field of metabolomics studies the whole of biochemical reactions occurring on the cellular, organ or organism level, and it has always intrigued scientists. In fact, it was the first of -omics fields studied by the scientists of old. Already in the 1920s, researchers like Otto Warburg knew that a full comprehension of the biochemical pathways underlying disease would pave the path towards therapies and treatment strategies. These biochemical reactions are at the core of the observed phenotypic changes and consequently, understanding the connectivity and activity of this biochemical roadmap is of great interest to the biomedical society. In the case of Warburg, he discovered that cancer cells use (rather abuse) their glycolysis pathway, forming -still to date- one of the major molecular hallmarks of cancer metabolism.

Studying metabolism is a challenge as it consists of more than the central carbon related pathways, it even surpasses the whole of its constituents because the complexity lies in its connectivity of biochemical pathways. Understanding how this network is wired and connected, provides the ability to dissect the complex intertwined molecular machinery. Indeed, insights into the molecular assembly of the network, reveals the enzymes/proteins that are involved and consequently also the transcripts and genes. As such, comprehending the metabolic “roadmap” is a quintessential tool for the development of improved treatment strategies in a plethora of diseases.

The Ghesquière lab is a technology minded group devoted to the development and implementation of novel mass spectrometry related technologies in the field of metabolomics. Our credo is “Technology through Biology, Biology through Technology” and reflects our ability to bridge the gap between technology and biology.