Abstract
The analysis of metabolites in single organelles has consequently presented a significant challenge. At the previous meeting, we reported the development of a single cell metabolomic analysis system by applying a single vacuole and cytoplasm isolated from a single giant internodal cell of the alga Chara corallina to the CE-MS (capillary electrophoresis / mass spectrometer) -based metabolomic technique. We determined that metabolite compartmentalization in vacuole and cytoplasm of C. corallina was different under changing light conditions. We are now investigating localization and dynamics of metabolites in a single cell under various environmental conditions such as pH and temperature. By using a microinjection technique, metabolite transportation across the vacuolar membrane can be directly detected, suggesting a previously unknown function of the vacuole. Our metabolomics approach provides novel insights on metabolic dynamics in a single organelle derived from a single cell. This work was supported by the Program for Promotion of Basic and Applied Researches for Innovations in Bio-oriented Industry (BRAIN).
