Abstract: Disclosed aspects include characterizing of the metabolite secretome of apoptotic cells, deciphering metabolite-based communication between dying cells and neighboring live cells, and harnessing components of the secretome for beneficial effects in vivo. In representative embodiments, a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an effective amount of a plurality of metabolite compounds derived from an apoptotic cell is disclosed, as are methods of treating an inflammatory condition in a subject and modulating gene expression in a subject using the composition.