Physiology Core

Overview of Services

We are focused on assessing physiological and metabolic phenotypes for novel mouse models of human disease which have been developed by our Center and Institute investigators. Such analyses provides insight into “on target” and “off target” tissue phenotypes, and will add substantial value towards understanding the physiological implications of changes in regulators of stem and progenitor cell formation. To complement assays for biochemical markers of skeletal and soft tissue metabolism, Promethion metabolic cages provide 87 distinct readings per second on mouse activity, oxygen consumption, CO2 production, food intake, weight and water consumption. This output is coupled with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry/NMR analysis that measures in vivo body composition cross-sectionally or longitudinally.

A Seahorse XF96 analyzer that measures oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of live cells in a multi-well plate, interrogating key cellular functions such as mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis is also available. The XF96 provides bioenergetic data utilizing three agents in a mitochondrial or glycolytic rate test paradigm. In addition a comprehensive metabolic report is provided by the Core director to the investigator that emphasizes the metabolic phenotype of the animal, alternative experiments or biomarkers to be considered, and suggestions for further studies.

Leadership

Core Director
Clifford Rosen
396-8157
rosenc@mmc.org

Core Manager
Victoria DeMambro
396-8085
demamv@mmc.org

Research Associate
Jennifer Daruszka
396-8083
jdaruszka@mmc.org

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Maine Medical Center Research Institute

Contacts