(Re-)use and (re-)analysis of publicly available metabolomics data

Metabolomics, the systematic measurement of small molecules (<1000 Da) in a given biological sample, is a fast-growing field with many different applications. In contrast to transcriptomics and proteomics, sharing of data is not as widespread in metabolomics, though more scientists are sharing their data nowadays. However, to improve data analysis tools and develop new data analytical approaches and to improve metabolite annotation and identification, sharing of reference data is crucial. Here, different possibilities to share (metabolomics) data are reviewed and some recent approaches and applications regarding the (re-)use and (re-)analysis are highlighted.

Automated summary

Metabolomics, the measurement of small molecules in biological samples, is a rapidly growing field with various applications. Data sharing in metabolomics is not as widespread as in transcriptomics and proteomics, but more scientists are beginning to share their data. Sharing of reference data is crucial for improving data analysis tools, developing new analytical approaches, and enhancing metabolite annotation and identification. This review explores different possibilities for sharing (metabolomics) data and highlights recent approaches and applications in data reuse and analysis.