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Metabolomics Core

The CELS Metabolomics Core provides investigators access to staff-operated mass spectrometry systems for the study of metabolites and other chemical analytes including lipids.

Overview

Metabolomics is the study, at large scale, of ~1000 metabolites present in cells, biological fluids and tissues. This profiling technique enables the identification of perturbed metabolic pathways that may inform disease mechanism and guide the development of targeted therapies. CELS provides investigators access to two comprehensive mass spectrometry systems with consultation, operation, maintenance and data interpretation managed by Danny Vu, PhD.

Impact

As cancer cells adapt for survival, they display enhanced flexibility in reprogramming their metabolic dependencies to support tumor initiation, progression and resistance to therapies. Understanding these metabolic changes and dependencies has shed important light on disease mechanisms and enabled a richer understanding on the ways cancer cells survive under changing or stressful conditions. Importantly, these discoveries may reveal previously unknown Achilles heel that can be harnessed for treatment intervention. The CELS Metabolomics Core continues to support investigators by providing “discovery metabolomics” assays and targeted analysis or tracing studies.

Mass Spectrometry Systems

Agilent 6546 LC/QTOF with 1290 Infinity II LC

High-speed, high-resolution detection of a wide range of compounds.
Superior mass accuracies and stability over time
Sample screening or “discovery metabolomics”
Stable isotype tracing

Agilent 8890 GC System with 5977C MSD

Targeted analysis
Stable isotype tracing