Metabolite profiles as a reflection of physiological status – a methodological validation

Abstract

Biological ”omics” data comprise numerous variables (metabolites, gene expression, physiological quantities) and comparatively few samples. These samples represent either measurements for slightly different genotypes in identical environments, or for different environmental conditions affecting the same genotype. Given this kind of data, it is intriguing to ask for possible measurable associations between molecular variables and the phenotypical or physiological status.