Analytical Services Core

Obtaining high-quality, reproducible measures of biochemical states in biofluids and tissue is critical to accurate phenotyping for in vitro and in vivo studies of diabetes and metabolism. The Analytical Services Core (ASC) provides investigators with accurate, reproducible measurements of diabetes-related analytes, enhancing their ability to perform innovative research on pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. See a summary of analytical services for metabolites here.  

The ASC has recently expanded its analytical services to include new hormones, cytokines, and metabolomics/lipidomics and multimodal spatial imaging of metabolites, proteins, and transcripts in tissue. Biochemical and analytical workflows are complemented by ASC training and expert assistance in study design and interpretation of results in collaboration with the DRC investigator requesting the analysis. From the initial request for an assay or service to the final delivery of results, the ASC serves as a scientific partner with the investigator. 

Other VDRC Cores are often involved for sample generation or analysis (e.g., Integrated Metabolic Physiology or Functional Multi-Omics Core) to tailor biochemical and post-assay services to meet an investigator’s scientific question. These efforts are complemented by regular training seminars, during which the ASC enhances the VDRC membership’s understanding of methodologies and illuminates the various services offered and how these services might address specific areas of interest and innovation. 

The Analytical Services Core is led by experts in quantitative biochemistry, mass spectrometry, and multimodal analysis (Drs. Davies, Spraggins, Edgerton) and supported by technical staff with more than 20 years’ experience. For more information about ASC services and pricing, please contact Dale Edgerton.