The application of artificial neural networks in metabolomics: A historical perspective
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Metabolomics
ISSN
1573-3890
Volume
15
Issue
11
First Page
142
PubMed ID
31628551
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Science / Centre for Integrative Metabolomics and Computational Biology
RAS ID
30028
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metabolomics data, with its complex covariance structure, is typically modelled by projection-based machine learning (ML) methods such as partial least squares (PLS) regression, which project data into a latent structure. Biological data are often non-linear, so it is reasonable to hypothesize that metabolomics data may also have a non-linear latent structure, which in turn would be best modelled using non-linear equations. A non-linear ML method with a similar projection equation structure to PLS is artificial neural networks (ANNs). While ANNs were first applied to metabolic profiling data in the 1990s, the lack of community acceptance combined with limitations in computational capacity and the lack of volume of data for robust non-linear model optimisation inhibited their widespread use. Due to recent advances in computational power, modelling improvements, community acceptance, and the more demanding needs for data science, ANNs have made a recent resurgence in interest across research communities, including a small yet growing usage in metabolomics. As metabolomics experiments become more complex and start to be integrated with other omics data, there is potential for ANNs to become a viable alternative to linear projection methods.
AIM OF REVIEW: We aim to first describe ANNs and their structural equivalence to linear projection-based methods, including PLS regression. We then review the historical, current, and future uses of ANNs in the field of metabolomics.
KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT OF REVIEW: Is metabolomics ready for the return of artificial neural networks?
DOI
10.1007/s11306-019-1608-0
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Mendez, K. M., Broadhurst, D. I., & Reinke, S. N. (2019). The application of artificial neural networks in metabolomics: A historical perspective. Metabolomics, 15(11), 142..
Available here.