Losing cholesterol homeostasis with inborn errors of metabolisms or hepatobiliary diseases makes a change to in vivo cholesterol metabolism profile and causes the emergence of increased metabolites as conjugates in blood and urine. We have developed an LC/ESI-MS/MS method using fragment patterns characteristic of conjugation types for group-specific and comprehensive analysis of conjugated cholesterol metabolites. This method can contribute for an efficient discovery of diagnostic marker candidates toward various diseases.

After availability verification of candidates as diagnostic markers, it will be required screening tests. We have potential to collaborate with company for development of bioassay systems using antibodies or enzymes.

• LC/ESI-MS/MS
• Focused metabolomics
• Conjugated cholesterol metabolites
• Diagnostic marker