C-13 labeled lysine

C-13 labeled lysine is a stable isotope-labeled metabolic tracer used in clinical research to investigate the lysine-to-alpha-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA) metabolic pathway. In studies conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, this compound is administered as an oral bolus to healthy volunteers to track the conversion of lysine into 2-AAA, a metabolite associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic disease. By utilizing the carbon-13 isotope, researchers can differentiate between exogenous and endogenous lysine and its metabolites using mass spectrometry, enabling the calculation of metabolic flux, clearance, and excretion. This research tool is intended to elucidate the pathophysiology of diabetes rather than serve as a therapeutic intervention.

Other names

13C-lysineL-Lysine-2HCl (C-13 labeled)Carbon-13 labeled lysineCarbon13 labeled lysineCarbon 13 labeled lysine[13C]-lysine