Seahorse System
The XF Extracellular Flux Analyzer from Seahorse Bioscience is a fully-integrated instrument that simultaneously measures the two major energy-yielding pathways – aerobic respiration and glycolysis – in a convenient, microplate format. The system is ideal for measuring metabolic changes in cells in response to ligand stimulation or drug treatment. The OSTR has facilitated the purchase and establishment of metabolite analysis available to investigators on the Frederick campus (System is now located in Building 560 and is overseen by Dan McVicar).
With just a small number of cells, scientists can measure the effects of up to four compounds on cellular metabolism, determining the basal oxygen consumption and glycolysis rates; respiratory capacity; mitochondrial dysfunction; fatty acid oxidation, uncoupling; ATP turnover; glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism and cell signaling in primary, adherent, tumor and suspension cells or islets, and isolated mitochondria. Studies utilizing the XF are revealing the metabolic dependencies of cancer cells on glucose and potential therapies. Scientists can determine whether a cancer is addicted to glucose or glutamine, and establish which pathway to target for intervention.
For access to the Seahorse system, please contact:
Daniel W. McVicar, Ph.D.
Senior Investigator
CIP Laboratory of Experimental Immunology
Center for Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute
Building 560, Room 31-52
Frederick, MD 21702-1201
301-846-5163
mcvicard@mail.nih.gov