Cell Metabolism

Physiological profiles for drug development
and transgenic animal characterization

Transgenic animals are important mutants for pharmacological and medical research. There is evidence that one gene, mutant or knock-out, results in a complex compensation within the living animal.

Defined profiles were designed for a valid characterization of animal physiology and biochemistry. We are also able to examine specific metabolic parameters of enzymes.

The physiological capacities of the different metabolic pathways are determined by measuring the maximal catalytic activities of key enzymes (maximal velocity, Vmax under standard conditions). The actual situation of metabolism is described by the composition of macromolecules and the concentrations of central metabolites.
You will receive a detailed protocol of measurement and our physiological interpretation of the data. We recommend a comparative analysis with controls of the same age and sex.

Compact Tissue Profile of Catabolic Capacity

Catabolic processes are essential for delivering energy in form of ATP. The tissue profile of catabolism analyses the major fuel utilization pathways.

Compact Tissue Profile of Anabolic Capacity

The synthesis of complex molecules is the essential feature of anabolism. Our tissue profile offers a compact view in efficiency of molecule synthesis.

Comprehensive Tissue Profile of Metabolic Capacity

Our comprehensive tissue profile offers an in-depth analysis of catabolic and anabolic pathways.

Tissue Profile of Macromolecules and Central Metabolites

Metabolite concentrations represent the actual situation of tissue metabolism. Rapid freezing of tissues is necessary for physiological interpretation of the data. This profile screens the chemical composition of the tissue and can visualize defects of metabolism (e.g. obesity, diabetes, tumors, muscle fatigue).

Tissue Profile of Antioxidant Network

Oxygen metabolism is accompanied by the production of oxidants (e.g. radicals) the detoxification of which is important for aerobic tissues. This tissue profile offers analysis of enzymes involved in pathways of the antioxidant network.

Tissue Profile of Shuttle Systems

Certain metabolites are transported inside the cells by enzymatic shuttle systems. The ratio of the involved enzyme forms is determined.

Profile of essential amino acids in food

Proteins are species specific compositions of amino acids. Monogastric mammals (e.g.pig) including man as well as other farm animals (e.g.poultry) or pets must ingested 50% of these amino acids (essential amino acids). Among the essential amino acids, the aromatic amino acids are often limited in food because quantitative important proteins (e.g. collagen) are poor in aromatic amino acids. Especially for growing, food should be well balanced for these essential amino acids. For industrial livestock breeding, well balanced amino acid composition is also important for reducing nitrogen-excretion to preserve the environment.

We offer the determination of essential amino acids in feed. Request AMP-Lab for custom-built profiles to achieve maximum information for your particular problem.

For further information please contact: metabolism@amplab.de