Diabetes Models Phenotyping

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PROJECT SUMMARY: Diabetes Models Phenotyping Core The Diabetes Models Phenotyping (DMP) Core is an important component of the Washington University Diabetes Research Center (DRC). The long-term goal of the DMP Core is to enhance diabetes- related research at Washington University using sophisticated services and technologies with the potential to contribute to discoveries that can be translated to novel treatments for diabetes and related disorders. The DMP Core has three objectives: 1) To provide phenotyping services to DRC members to both facilitate and enhance the cost-effectiveness of NIH-funded diabetes/metabolism-related research; 2) To provide expert consultation and training to DRC members in experimental design and characterization of mouse models relevant to diabetes, obesity and associated metabolic diseases; and 3) To develop new research capabilities to enhance the ability of DRC members to perform diabetes and metabolic research. The Core offers a broad range of animal phenotyping services, including a) body composition analysis using EchoMRI and/or DEXA scan; b) indirect calorimetry to measure energy expenditure; c) glucose and insulin tolerance testing; d) blood pressure determinations; and e) biochemical analyses of serum and tissues to measure glucose, triglycerides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. Meeting a key need in the diabetes research community at Washington University, the Core provided services to 44 different DRC member laboratories during the past funding period, including 11 P&F recipients. The services utilized by these investigators over this time frame include biochemical assays of serum (>4,800 samples) and tissues (>1,100 samples), body composition determinations for >8500 mice, and indirect calorimetry assessments in >2,400 mice, to mention the services in greatest demand. These analyses supported the publication of 130 papers. The Core continually evolves in response to user needs through elimination of some services and addition of others. New and expanded services include hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, thermogenic phenotyping, and expanded training and consultation. Together, DMP Core services continue to help DRC investigators contribute important scholarly advances with substantial potential for translation to improved care for patients suffering from diabetes and related complications.