Metabolism Expertise Centre

Metabolism Expertise Centre (MEC) – Metabolomics & Lipidomics Facility

The Utrecht Metabolism Expertise Centre (MEC) is a research facility specializing in mass spectrometry–based metabolomics, lipidomics, and fluxomics. MEC supports researchers and industry partners by providing expert-driven analysis of cellular metabolism in diverse biological systems.

About MEC

Using state-of-the-art LC–MS technologies, MEC generates high-quality metabolite data and works closely with researchers to translate these measurements into biological insight.

MEC has extensive expertise (un)targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, and stable-isotope tracing (fluxomics) using multiple tracers (e.g. ¹³C, ¹⁵N). In addition, the facility develops custom assays and analytical methods, including targeted approaches tailored to specific biological questions.

MEC performs comprehensive analysis of a broad range of biologically relevant small molecules. Lipidomics analyses include major lipid classes, such as phospholipids, acylglycerides, sphingolipids, fatty acids and sterol esters. Metabolomic analyses cover central carbon and metabolism, including pathways such as glycolysis and TCA cycle, as well as amino acids, nucleotides and many additional metabolite classes. Fluxomics experiments enable direct assessment of metabolic pathway activity and dynamics, providing functional insight beyond steady-state metabolite levels.

MEC has particular experience in:
– Onco-metabolomics
– Immuno-metabolomics
– Drug resistance and mode-of-action studies

In addition, the facility supports a wide range of model systems and sample types, including cultured cells, organoids, tissues, and biofluids (plasma, serum, urine).

Services
MEC operates primarily as a collaborative research partner, while also offering fee-for-service access. Due to the expert-driven nature of metabolomics and fluxomic research, close interaction between facility scientists and users is essential.

Our services include:
– Consultation on experimental design
– Advice on stable isotope tracing strategies
– High-quality LC–MS measurements
– Data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization
– Support with biological interpretation and manuscript preparation

Integration and Environment
MEC is embedded within the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This ensures close interaction between technology development, data analysis, and biological research.