Metabolomics Core

Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

NORTH CAROLINA DIABETES RESEARCH CENTER (NCDRC): METABOLOMICS CORE SUMMARY Comprehensive metabolic analysis, or “metabolomics”, is a technology that defines the chemical phenotype of living systems. Given that metabolic fluxes and metabolite levels are downstream of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic variability, metabolomics provides a highly integrated profile of biological status. Metabolomic analyses are challenging, however, due to the complexity inherent in measuring large numbers of intermediary metabolites with diverse chemical properties in a quantitatively rigorous and reproducible fashion. Given these variables, it is not surprising that no single technology exists for measurement of all of the metabolites in the “metabolome”. Seminal studies conducted by the Metabolomics Core Laboratory at the Stedman Center/Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (DMPI) have advanced knowledge on elements of diabetes pathogenesis, including insulin resistance, insulin secretion, obesity mechanisms, skeletal muscle physiology, and metabolic signatures of cardiovascular risk. This work serves as a clear demonstration of the power that metabolomics brings to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease research. The Duke Metabolomics Core Lab has matured over its 16 years of existence, to benow able to offer both targeted and non-targeted (discovery) static metabolic profiling as well as metabolic flux analysis. Thus, the Duke Metabolomics Core lab has the infrastructure and research capabilities to provide support and services as the Metabolomics Core of the North Carolina Diabetes Research Center (NCDRC). The metabolomics core will provide state-of-the-art metabolomics technology from an established laboratory to a NCDRC faculty, fellows and students. The core Co-Directors, Dr. Chris Newgard and Dr. Debbie Muoio, themselves established diabetes investigators, ensure strong alignment of core capabilities with the research mission of the NCDRC, thereby adding value beyond the high-quality technical work. The NCDRC metabolomics core will, therefore: • Provide a comprehensive suite of metabolomics assays for NCDRC faculty members, and to continue to develop metabolomics methods to ensure that the core remains state-of-the-art. • Provide a Research Navigator to guide NCDRC members with regard to study design, assay options, and rigorous sample collection and processing methods. • Guide NCDRC members with bioinformatics and computational analysis of data as needed, and to provide dedicated personnel to assist with interpretation of data in a physiologic/pathophysiologic context. • Contribute to the Pilot and Feasibility component of the NCDRC by providing young investigators with access to metabolomics technologies and guidance in their effective use, and to disseminate our technologies via several outreach activities, including seminars, workshops and development of new collaborations.