Physiology Core

Physiology Core (C. Rosen, Core Director) The long-term goal of the Physiology Core is to provide high quality in vivo and in vitro metabolic phenotyping services for COBRE projects, other MaineHealth researchers, and outside investigators. Phase I accomplishments include expanding and upgrading our metabolic phenotyping through the acquisition of 8 G2 HR E-Mitter telemetry systems, a Seahorse XF96 analyzer, a Cytation I cell imager, a Faxitron UltraFocus DXA X-ray machine and a Sable Systems respirometry treadmill, based on our users’ needs. We successfully supported our COBRE investigators and non-COBRE institutional faculty, research staff, and trainees, thereby meeting our targeted metrics for support of funded grant applications and publications. Over the last five years, all four original project leads received independent R01 funding, and were frequent users of the Physiology Core, for experimental services or consultation with Dr. Rosen. Their studies included analysis of cellular bioenergetics, body composition, and metabolic and behavioral studies. Moreover, we have successfully increased outside utilization through collaborative projects with the University of New England, Solarea Bio (Cambridge, MA), Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Tufts and Cornell Universities. These resulted in steady increases in annual service fee revenue that is integral for sustainability. Use of the Physiology Core was instrumental in the funding of a multi-PI U19 from NIA to Drs. Zaidi (Mt. Sinai) and Rosen (Physiology Core Director). Publications in PNAS, J Biol Chem, J Clinical Investigation and JCI Insight, eLife, Cancer Research, Cell Metabolism, Nature Communications, and Cell Reports were direct results of experiments from this Core. Importantly, the Physiology Core was supportive of young investigators in training, including the successful funding of an F31 and an F32. Most of the pilot project awardees used one of the features of this Core, and educational programs related to new technical aspects for Core equipment were provided to undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows. Phase II offers new opportunities for the Physiology Core in respect to novel technologies, expanded use of current equipment and greater training opportunities. In addition, we were recently awarded a COBRE equipment supplement to expand the number of metabolic cages and integrate a temperature-controlled incubator within the system. Thus in Phase II, we have expanded our equipment and capacity to meet the high demand for metabolic and behavioral phenotyping, and will also provide new services for in vivo studies at thermoneutrality and at cold temperatures. We will maintain our highly utilized services for advanced cellular and mitochondrial bioenergetic analysis, in addition to providing expert assistance in research study design and implementation and data analysis. The successful leadership, management, and operational principles of this Core will remain in place, and scientifically support the project leads Drs. Lynes, Li, and Agarwal, and other MaineHealth and external investigators.