The Role of 13C5, 15N Folic Acid in Metabolic Tracing and Quantitation
Metabolic research is a cornerstone of understanding biological processes, disease mechanisms, and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Accurately tracing the fate of essential biomolecules and their derivatives within complex biological systems is crucial for generating reliable data. For those in the scientific community, particularly in pharmaceutical development and biochemical research, the availability of highly precise tools like isotopically labeled compounds is indispensable. Folic Acid labeled with Carbon-13 (13C5) and Nitrogen-15 (15N), bearing the CAS number 2687960-47-8, is one such critical reagent that enables unparalleled insights into metabolic pathways.
Folic acid, a vital B vitamin, participates in a multitude of critical cellular functions. Its role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, as well as amino acid metabolism, makes it fundamental for cell division and growth. However, understanding the intricate cascade of reactions it undergoes, and how exogenous compounds might interfere or assist, requires the ability to distinctly identify and quantify folic acid and its metabolites. This is where stable isotope labeling offers a powerful solution.
The incorporation of Carbon-13 (a heavier isotope of carbon) and Nitrogen-15 (a heavier isotope of nitrogen) into the folic acid molecule does not alter its biochemical behavior. Instead, it creates a unique 'fingerprint' that can be easily distinguished from naturally occurring unlabeled folic acid using sophisticated analytical instruments like Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). This differential mass allows researchers to:
1. Perform Accurate Quantitative Analysis: When labeled folic acid is used as an internal standard in LC-MS analysis, it allows for highly accurate quantification of unlabeled folic acid in biological samples. The labeled standard, added at a known concentration, compensates for variations in sample preparation and instrument response, leading to more robust and reliable results. This is invaluable for researchers who need to buy research-grade materials for validation studies.
2. Trace Metabolic Flux with Precision: By following the labeled atoms, scientists can track the flow of carbon and nitrogen through metabolic pathways. This provides a dynamic view of biochemical processes, helping to elucidate how enzymes function, how metabolites are interconverted, and how disease states alter metabolic activity. For instance, researchers can precisely map the methylation cycle or nucleotide synthesis pathways involving folic acid.
3. Study Drug Metabolism and Interactions: In pharmaceutical R&D, understanding how a drug candidate interacts with the body's folate metabolism is critical. Labeled folic acid can be used in conjunction with drug studies to assess competitive inhibition, metabolic clearance, and overall pharmacokinetic profiles. As a manufacturer, we ensure that our labeled folic acid is of the highest purity, making it suitable for even the most sensitive studies.
4. Investigate Nutrient Bioavailability: For nutritional science and the development of fortified foods or supplements, tracing the absorption and utilization of folic acid is essential. Labeled folic acid allows for precise measurement of how much of the vitamin is absorbed from different sources and how it is subsequently metabolized.
As a dedicated supplier of high-quality research chemicals, we understand the importance of isotopic purity and chemical integrity. Our Folic Acid-13C5, 15N (CAS: 2687960-47-8) is produced under strict quality control measures to ensure that researchers receive a product they can trust for their critical experiments. Whether you are investigating novel therapeutic targets, validating analytical methods, or exploring fundamental metabolic processes, our labeled folic acid provides the precision needed. We are a trusted manufacturer from China, committed to supporting scientific advancement by offering these advanced reagents at competitive prices. If you are looking to buy research chemicals that offer superior traceability and quantitation, consider our isotopically labeled folic acid.
Perspectives & Insights
Agile Reader One
“Study Drug Metabolism and Interactions: In pharmaceutical R&D, understanding how a drug candidate interacts with the body's folate metabolism is critical.”
Logic Vision Labs
“Labeled folic acid can be used in conjunction with drug studies to assess competitive inhibition, metabolic clearance, and overall pharmacokinetic profiles.”
Molecule Origin 88
“As a manufacturer, we ensure that our labeled folic acid is of the highest purity, making it suitable for even the most sensitive studies.”