Human Metabolome Database

Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) is a comprehensive, high-quality, freely accessible database designed to address the broad needs of the scientific community by providing detailed information about small molecule metabolites found in the human body. The HMDB contains information on the levels of these metabolites in different biological states, their locations within the body, and how they are involved in various biological processes. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the fields of metabolomics, clinical chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine.

Overview

The Human Metabolome Database was first released in 2007 by a team of Canadian scientists at the University of Alberta and The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC). Its goal is to facilitate the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases, through the study of the metabolome, which is the complete set of metabolites (small molecules) present in cells, tissues, and body fluids. The HMDB provides a comprehensive platform for researchers to access metabolite data, including chemical data, clinical data, and molecular biology/biochemistry data.

Content

The database contains detailed information on thousands of metabolites, including:

• Chemical properties (structure, molecular weight, etc.)
• Concentrations in different biological fluids
• Synthesis and degradation pathways
• Involved enzymes and genes
• Disease associations
• Drug interactions

Each metabolite entry in the HMDB is accompanied by a wealth of information, including its chemical structure, formula, and links to external resources such as PubChem, KEGG, and ChemSpider for further reference.

Applications

The HMDB is utilized in various research and clinical applications, including:

• Biomarker discovery for disease diagnosis and prognosis
• Understanding metabolic pathways and their role in health and disease
• Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies
• Nutritional research and the study of the effects of diet on metabolism

Access

The Human Metabolome Database is accessible online at its official website. Users can search for metabolites by name, structure, or biological property. The website also offers tools for metabolite pathway analysis and visualization, making it easier for researchers to understand complex metabolic interactions.

Future Directions

The HMDB team continuously updates the database with new metabolites, updated information, and improved functionalities. Future developments include expanding the database to cover more metabolites, integrating more clinical data, and enhancing user experience through improved search and analysis tools.

See Also

• Metabolomics
• Bioinformatics
• Metabolic pathway
• Biomarker (medicine)