Mapping endocrine networks by stable isotope tracing

Hormones regulate metabolic homeostasis through interlinked dynamic networks of proteins and small molecular weight metabolites, state-of-the-art chemical technologies have been developed to decipher these complex pathways. Stable-isotope tracers largely replaced radiotracers measure flux in humans, building on advances nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy mass spectrometry. These are now being applied localise molecules within tissues. Radiotracers still highly valuable both preclinically 3D imaging by positron emission tomography. The coming age vibrational conjunction with stable-isotope tracing offers detailed cellular insights map biological processes. Together computational modelling, approaches poised coalesce into multi-modal platforms provide hitherto inaccessible spatial endocrine signalling.