A Seahorse analyzer for the multiparametric study of cellular metabolism in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

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Scope of investigations: The instrument will be used to conduct cutting edge basic science research on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell metabolism. The research projects range from the molecular analysis of bacterial antibiotic resistance to the complex characterization of the many pathways controlling metabolic changes. These changes occur in response to environmental stress or during cell development and differentiation. The projects to be supported by this instrument can be grouped under four major themes: Immunometabolism, development/repair in the nervous system, host-pathogens interactions, and drug discovery.******The research team: The instrument will be shared by the research personnel of the 9 applicants. All these labs are located on the main campus of Université de Montréal and are part of the Faculty of Medicine (departments of Microbiology-Infectiology-Immunology, Pathology-Cell Biology and Pharmacology-Physiology) and the Faculty of Pharmacy. Seven additional colleagues who plan to use the instrument have been identified so far. Most of them already hold NSERC grants.******The instrument: We wish to acquire a state-of-the-art XFe96 Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer capable of performing the simultaneous analysis of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption (OCR) in various types of cells and in real time. Despite its technological complexity, this analyzer can be operated by all research personnel following a short hands-on training. The analyzer will be centrally located and part of the core facility of the Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and immunology.******Need of the instrument, operations, training of HQP and sustainability: The metabolic readouts provided by the Seahorse yield key information on cellular physiology and integrity. The analyzer is urgently required to boost the depth and impact of the current research project focused on cellular and whole body metabolic analysis. Unfortunately, no such analyzer is available on the campus, making our researchers less competitive for grants and for the publication of their findings in high impact journals. Importantly, the requested instrument represents a much needed technological addition to our core facility. Sustainability of the new instrument is guaranteed by the collection of user fees.***We estimate that just for the applicants' labs, more than 30 trainees will be using the Analyzer over the next 3 years. Importantly, the Seahorse analyzer is an instrument around which users interact to share knowledge, protocols and reagents, catalyzing networking and fostering new collaborations. Multi-parametric metabolic assessment of cellular basic functions is essential for achieving our proposed objectives. In the long term, the instruments will lead to better training and more comprehensive studies. Our findings may develop into innovative treatments for infections, autoimmunity, neurological diseases and cancers, which all have important socio-economic impact.***