Review Article

Volume: 8 | Issue: 1 | Published: Jun 25, 2025 | Pages: 036 - 047 | DOI: 10.24911/JBCGenetics.11-2221

Bridging metabolomics and genomics: genetic counselling for IEMs


Authors: Komal Uppal orcid logo , Himani Kaushik , Namita Bhardwaj , Shivani Sharma , Sunil Kumar Polipalli , Somesh Kumar , Seema Kapoor


Article Info

Authors

Komal Uppal

Department of Medical Genetics, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, Delhi, India

orcid logo ORCID

Himani Kaushik

Compute Genomics Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India

Namita Bhardwaj

Department of Medical Genetics, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, Delhi, India

Shivani Sharma

Department of Medical Genetics, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, Delhi, India

Sunil Kumar Polipalli

Department of Medical Genetics, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, Delhi, India

Somesh Kumar

Department of Medical Genetics, Maulana Azad Medical College (Delhi University), Delhi 110002, India

Seema Kapoor

Department of Medical Genetics, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University, Delhi, India

Publication History

Received: May 17, 2025

Accepted: June 20, 2025

Published: June 25, 2025


Abstract


Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) caused by a deficit of some specific metabolic pathways are phenotypically heterogeneous complex disorders. Although in recent years metabolomics has helped in understanding the pathophysiology of IEMs, its challenges and limitations such as false positives and negatives result in delayed diagnosis and postponed treatment. This leaves the physician with a large list of differential diagnosis among IEMs. Early and accurate diagnosis in case of suspicious IEMs can be lifesaving, especially for conditions those are treatable. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based whole-exome sequencing proved to be an efficient technology in enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis of metabolic disorders, especially for complex disorders. It offers a broader range of disorders diagnosed at an affordable cost compared to metabolomics. The aim of this article is to provide insights into bridging metabolomics and NGS-based genomics to improve diagnostic yield in complex IEMs, while also emphasizing the role of genetic counselling in empowering families and improving patient quality life.


Keywords: Inborn errors of metabolism, Metabolomic, Genomics, Genetic counselling.