Acquisition of SeaHorse XFe96 Instrumentation for Metabolomics Research Efforts at SJSU
Abstract
Cellular metabolism is an essential feature of life where food sources are chemically transformed into energy to be expended or stored for future use. The importance of metabolic regulation has long been understood; however, metabolic studies have had a renaissance of late due to emerging roles for metabolic dysfunction in disease processes. Funds are sought to purchase the SeaHorse XFe96 Analyzer that will allow us to (1) develop new research capabilities of the SJSU PROTEIN LAB, (2) expand BIOL116L and BIOL135L teaching laboratories to include inquiry-based metabolomics experiments using the new equipment, and (3) train STEM students in the MARC, RISE, RUMBA, and LSAMP programs in current metabolomics applications. The SeaHorse XFe96 analyzer simultaneously measures extracellular O2 and pH in real time to determine overall cellular energy use. The majority of cellular energy production occurs through mitochondrial respiration and it is well documented that mitochondrial dysregulation occurs in many diseases. Researchers at SJSU would be able to expand their current research platforms using the SeaHorse XFe96 Analyzer applying metabolic measurements to discover novel cell functions across multiple research areas including: immunology, cancer, obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders, stem cells, cardiovascular function, neurodegeneration, bacteriology, metal toxicity, bioengineering, and aging. Customizable kits are available to study other metabolic processes including endogenous and exogenous fatty acid oxidation, substrate oxidation, and metabolic phenotyping. In addition to expanding research capabilities, acquisition of this equipment will also expand the capabilities in our teaching laboratories and STEM training programs by giving students hands on experiences in developing and testing hypothesis in metabolic research using the SeaHorse XFe96 analyzer. We will begin offering training to minority students in the MARC, RISE, and LSAMP programs during summer 2019. We will permanently create inquiry-based metabolism laboratory teaching modules in the BIOL116L and 135L capstone Molecular and Cell Biology laboratories at SJSU. Overall, we anticipate 100-200 students each year will be trained and have access to this instrumentation in research and classroom experiences. SJSU is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and routinely graduates students who go on to work in biotech or pursue advanced degrees in the STEM related disciplines (PhD, MD, DO, PharmD, etc). In summary, access to advanced instrumentation such as the SeaHorse XFe96 at SJSU will (1) increase overall research productivity, (2) create a mechanism to allow collaboration between SJSU researches and other institutions (R1 and biotech), and (3) train students in the STEM fields in modern and cutting-edge research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910523
Entities
People
- Brandon White
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- San José State University