Metabolic Unit

 

Overview:

The Metabolic Unit within HDDC Core D: Gnotobiotic Mice, Microbiology and Metagenomics exists to provide the Harvard Medical School and area scientific community with access to cutting-edge resources for the comprehensive measurement and analysis of feeding and metabolism in mice.

The Energy Balance Core provides an extensive and growing variety of services to measure a range of metabolic parameters in mice, including: oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratios (RER), food consumption, basal locomotor activity levels, core body temperature and heart rate, body composition, heat lost due to thermal radiation, food metabolism efficiency, and exercise tolerance. Our indirect calorimeters are specialized, allowing for the precise control of ambient temperature ranging from thermoneutrality (30°C) to cold (4°C). The use of indirect calorimetry in our studies has revealed profound changes in energy substrate utilization and induction of thermogenesis in multiple mouse models. We also have the ability to moniter germ-free mice. Germ-free mice can be examined using isolator cages. With this approach, we can examine the metabolic profile of germ-free mice or mice colonized with specific microbes.

The Metabolic Unit offers a full suite of services for the analysis of mouse metabolism. The core’s Columbus Instruments Comprehensive Lab animal Monitering (CLAMS) system allows for simultaneous measurement of key metabolic parameters in mice.

The CLAMS is complemented by other instruments that allow for noninvasive quantitation of whole-body fat and lean mass; EchoMRI Body Composition Analyzers and DEXA for the precise measurement of body composition, a thermal imaging system for the measurement of heat lost due to thermal radiation (FLIR camera), an oxygen bomb calorimetry for the assessment of food metabolism efficiency in mice, and energy consumed but not absorbed (fecal bomb calorimetry). We also utilize continuous glucose monitoring in mice with the Data Sciences International (DSI) HD-XG system. As of summer 2021, we also measure non-invasive isotopic substrate oxidation in live mice with 13C-glucose or other substrates when metabolized to 13CO2.

NEW software available from The Metabolic Unit:

CalR - A Web Application for Indirect Calorimetry Analysis: https://calrapp.org

The Energy Balance Core is directed by Alexander S. Banks, PhD (BIDMC Endocrinology Division)

People and Contact Information:

Director: Alexander S. Banks, PhD

Core Manager: Marissa Cortopassi

mcortopa@bidmc.harvard.edu

Location:

BIDMC Center for Life Sciences

330 Brookline Avenue, CLS 728

Boston, MA, 02115