Scientists from the Institute of Physiology of the CAS, supported by the CarDia project, have introduced a breakthrough tool for research on biological rhythms: the Circadian Ontogenetic Metabolomics Atlas (COMA) – an interactive and open database that provides a detailed mapping of circadian (daily) metabolic rhythms in 16 anatomical structures of the rat across different developmental stages.
COMA is the result of several years of research using advanced mass spectrometry techniques and extensive bioinformatic analyses. Research teams led by Tomáš Čajka and Alena Sumová analyzed more than 1,600 biological samples from laboratory rats, covering brain regions (suprachiasmatic nuclei, prefrontal cortex), liver, plasma, feces, and other peripheral tissues across key developmental periods – from embryonic day E19 through postnatal days P2, P10, P20 up to P28. The database is freely accessible through an intuitive web interface at coma.metabolomics.fgu.cas.cz.
This unique application brings a detailed overview of the development of daily metabolic rhythms in mammals. The data show how circadian oscillations evolve from the embryo to adulthood, and how dietary changes, especially the transition from mother’s milk to solid food, fundamentally impact the metabolic rhythms of individual tissues. All processed results, including raw data and annotated metabolites, are freely downloadable for further bioinformatics use.
The application allows users to view and compare temporal profiles of hundreds of metabolites, track the development of clock genes, or analyze differences in various tissues and developmental stages.
The rat was chosen as a model organism due to its significant biological similarity to humans – the basic principles of organ function, hormonal regulation, and internal biological clocks are very similar to the human system. Therefore, the data in this application can greatly contribute to understanding physiological processes in the human body and the development of many serious human diseases.
On average, 24% of measured metabolites display significant circadian oscillations, and their dynamics change dramatically during development. The highest number of metabolites with daily rhythms was detected in liver, plasma, and adipose tissues, and the lowest in brain structures. The transition from nursing (P10) to solid food and independent feeding (P20–P28) is critical for setting new rhythms. The application allows users to see how the profile of individual metabolites (e.g., bile acids in the liver, purines in plasma, or riboflavin in feces) changes not only with the time of day but also with age.
The COMA application combines comprehensive data, open access, and clear visualizations in line with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). It is intended for professionals in biomedical research, as well as students and the public interested in biological rhythms and metabolic development.
Access to the application: coma.metabolomics.fgu.cas.cz
Publication: DOI:10.1007/s00018-025-05783-w
Contact: Assoc. Prof. M.Sc. Tomáš Čajka, Ph.D., tomas.cajka@fgu.cas.cz
