Workflow4Metabolomics (W4M): A User-Friendly Metabolomics Platform for Analysis of Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Data

Abstract

Various spectrometric methods can be used to conduct metabolomics studies. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with separation methods, such as liquid or gas chromatography (LC and GC, respectively), are the most commonly used techniques. Once the raw data have been obtained, the real challenge lies in the bioinformatics required to conduct: (i) data processing (including preprocessing, normalization, and quality control); (ii) statistical analysis for comparative studies (such as univariate and multivariate analyses, including PCA or PLS-DA/OPLS-DA); (iii) annotation of the metabolites of interest; and (iv) interpretation of the relationships between key metabolites and the relevant phenotypes or scientific questions to be addressed. Here, we will introduce and detail a stepwise protocol for use of the Workflow4Metabolomics platform (W4M), which provides user-friendly access to workflows for processing of LC–MS, GC–MS, and NMR data. Those modular and extensible workflows are composed of existing standalone components (e.g., XCMS and CAMERA packages) as well as a suite of complementary W4M-implemented modules. This tool suite is accessible worldwide through a web interface and is hosted on UseGalaxy France. The extensible Virtual Research Environment (VRE) provided offers pre-configured workflows for metabolomics communities (platforms, end users, etc.), as well as possibilities for sharing among users. By providing a consistent ecosystem of tools and workflows through Galaxy, W4M makes it possible to process MS and NMR data from hundreds of samples using an ordinary personal computer, after step-by-step workflow optimization. © 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: W4M account creation, working history preparation, and data upload

Support Protocol 1: How to prepare an NMR zip file

Support Protocol 2: How to convert MS data from proprietary format to open format

Support Protocol 3: How to get help with W4M (IFB forum) and how to report a problem on the GitHub repository

Basic Protocol 2: LC–MS data processing

Alternate Protocol 1: GC–MS data processing

Alternate Protocol 2: NMR data processing

Basic Protocol 3: Statistical analysis

Basic Protocol 4: Annotation of metabolites from LC–MS data

Alternate Protocol 3: Annotation of metabolites from NMR data