MDRTC Animal Phenotyping Core
The Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center's Animal Phenotyping Core provides state-of-the-art metabolic analysis of rodent models following their genetic, dietary, molecular or pharmacological manipulation.
Purposes
- The Core provides education, consultation and advice to MDRTC investigators regarding the analysis of animal models of metabolic diseases in order to provide a detailed understanding of the underpinnings of their phenotypes.
- The Core also provides specialized analytical services to MDRTC investigators
to understand the physiology of rodent models of metabolic disease. These
services include:
- Measurement of body composition
- Measurement of metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, food consumption
and activity utilizing the Comprehensive Laboratory Animal Monitoring
System
- Analysis of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, along with
more specialized measures of insulin action and metabolite flux and
storage utilizing clamping techniques.
- Provide specialized surgical techniques including placement of cannulae
and tissue harvest
- Isolation and study of pancreatic islets
- Isolation and study of mitochondria from metabolic tissues
- Additional phenotyping for relevant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and behavioral phenotypes that may be valuable in certain experimental animals
- Measurement of body composition
The Animal Phenotyping Core enhances and stimulates advances in the understanding of diabetes and related metabolic diseases by promoting collaboration, disseminating information, and providing consultation and services essential to MDRTC investigators and trainees in areas relevant to their animal models of metabolic disease but which are beyond their individual capabilities.
Equipment
The facility is equipped with specialized equipment, such as CLAMS, glucose clamping apparatus, and the equipment reagents and personnel required to provide the analyses (see above) to investigators.
Animals
Animals to be phenotyped are transferred to the care of the Animal Phenotyping Core under University of Michigan’s Committee on Use and Care of Animals protocols. Core personnel conduct all analyses in the Animal Phenotyping Core.
Visit the Animal Metabolic Phenotyping Core Web site with available services and recharge rates.
Key Personnel
Malcolm Low, PhD., Core Director, mjlow@umich.edu , 734-647-1350
Nathan Qi, Ph.D., Associate Director, nathanqi@med.umich.edu, 734-764-7043
