Managing metabolmics interpretation

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Dr Geraldine Dowling is a forensic toxicologist, lecturer in forensic science, and chief executive officer/chairperson of ForenSics InnovAtion in ReseArch and Nutrition (SARAN). “I have a first-class honours degree in Industrial Environmental Chemistry from South East Technological University, but I have been working mainly in the area of analytical chemistry, food safety, toxicology and in laboratory-based analysis.” Previously, she has held posts in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories in The Marine Institute, Teagasc and The State Laboratory for 12 years during which time she obtained a research M.Sc.and Ph.D. in analytical science, veterinary and human toxicology.

“We are developing techniques and strategies for data management and interpretation because metabolomic data is very cumbersome – you get a huge amount of information. We are looking at potential biomarkers that can be used in a variety of fields, both in food safety and forensics.”

She subsequently moved into academia in 2016 and in her current role in Atlantic Technological University, she lectures and researches in the fields of food safety, forensic science, chemistry education, analytical science and metabolomics. “We are developing techniques and strategies for data management and interpretation because metabolomic data is very cumbersome – you get a huge amount of information. We are looking at potential biomarkers that can be used in a variety of fields, both in food safety and forensics.” One example she cites is identifying poisoning cases: “Here, we are looking at the potential biomarkers for example, for certain compounds or drugs that may have short detection windows. Another example is looking at obesity and the impact of metabolites in the body as a result of various diets.” 

“Many of the projects I work on concern method development, data management or validation studies, trying to see what type of data can be used and applied to food safety or other studies such as metabolomics or forensic work.”  

There are ample opportunities for her students to apply these learnings. “Some of them take up roles in analytical and nutrition companies, others in pharmaceutical companies, government laboratories or forensic organisations.” Geraldine is also an experienced researcher and has published/produced over 70 projects in various fields. “Many of the projects I work on concern method development, data management or validation studies, trying to see what type of data can be used and applied to food safety or other studies such as metabolomics or forensic work.”  

When asked about the current food safety and toxicology challenges, she cites the detection of biomarkers in food safety and toxicology using metabolomics studies and data interpretation from these studies. Earlier this year, Geraldine availed of a safefood Food Safety Skills Fund grant to attend the TIAFT 2023 conference in Rome which focused on this issue. “The aim of the visit was to evaluate the use of metabolomics for non-targeted approaches for analytical toxicological applications in food safety, nutrition and food fraud. In addition, to explore the potential for ATU to collaborate with international partners. 

“The use of Quadrupole Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS)/mass spectrometry (MS) and Full-scan Accurate MS for routine analysis allows detection of target analytes as well as non-targeted compounds in food safety and metabolomics studies. However, the technique generates an enormous amount of data and, depending on the matrix, this can make the identification and quantitation of analytes difficult. Strategies and databases can be built which allow a wider range of substances to be screened for. Metabolomics for biomarker monitoring is now being applied in food safety, nutrition and toxicology globally but data management is challenging.”