Metabolomics in epidemiologic research: challenges and opportunities for early-career epidemiologists

Abstract

Background: The application of metabolomics to epidemiologic studies is increasing.

Aim of review: Here, we describe the challenges and opportunities facing early-career epidemiologists aiming to apply metabolomics to their research.

Key scientific concepts of review: Many challenges inherent to metabolomics may provide early-career epidemiologists with the opportunity to play a pivotal role in answering critical methodological questions and moving the field forward. Although generating large-scale high-quality metabolomics data can be challenging, data can be accessed through public databases, collaboration with senior researchers or participation within interest groups. Such efforts may also assist with obtaining funding, provide knowledge on training resources, and help early-career epidemiologists to publish in the field of metabolomics.

Keywords: Challenges; Early-career scientists; Epidemiology; Metabolomics; Opportunities.

Fig. 1

Yearly number of PubMed records including both keywords on epidemiology/population-based research and metabolomics in the period 2008–2018 (2018 number based on results up to October 6, 2018). Footnote: search performed as (“epidemiology” or “epidemiologic” or “population-based” or “observational” or “case-control” or “cohort” or “cross-sectional”) AND (“metabolome” or “metabonome” or “metabolomic” or “metabolomics” or “metabonomic” or “metabonomics” or “metabolic profile” or “metabolite profile” or “metabolic signature” or “glycomic” or “glycomics” or “lipidomic” or “lipidomics”); date of search: October 6, 2018