# Core B: Mouse Metabolism and Imaging

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $186,817

## Abstract

Biomedical Core B (Mouse Metabolism): Summary
The study of obesity, nutrition, and metabolism relies on methods to measure feeding patterns, metabolic rate,
activity, body composition, and fat distribution. Model organisms are a mainstay in the study of metabolism,
obesity, and its consequences. Laboratory mice are the most fundamental and common models for studying in
vivo physiology and disease pathophysiology, and the UCSF NORC Biomedical Mouse Metabolism Core
(Core B) is specifically geared to measure a wide variety of metabolic parameters in mice, as well as in mouse
and human tissues, and in cultured cells. The information gained by studying mice, which are often genetically
modified through use of Core C (Genetics and Genomics) and examined in conjunction with epidemiological
and behavioral studies done in humans (Core A), is essential to understand mechanisms underlying metabolic
disease risk, and the potential effectiveness of nutritional and pharmacologic approaches to ameliorate obesity
and its consequences.
21 of the 58 investigators in the proposed UCSF-NORC currently conduct research studies in which rodent
models are monitored using the types of equipment and analytical approaches housed in Core B. Another 4
NORC investigators indicate that their research has developed to a point where their use of facilities in Core B
is imminent. Experts in charge of running Core B keep abreast of the rapidly evolving application of these
sophisticated methods, and ensure that NORC researchers are trained in their proper implementation. The
presence of the facilities, and the availability of NORC support that is designed to assist the entry of NORC
researchers into technologically unfamiliar areas, ensure the success of UCSF-NORC research.
Core B provides access to, assistance with, and training in the use of sophisticated methods and instruments
for those studies. Specifically, Core B provides tools and facilities for:
1. Precise and real-time measurement of feeding, energy expenditure, locomotor activities, respiratory
exchange ratio, and thermoregulation in conscious mice.
2. Analyzing lean mass, fat mass, free and total body water in conscious mice, as well as bone mineral
density and other aspects of body composition in anesthetized mice.
3. Cellular energetic measurements using the Seahorse FX24 Bioanalyzer, which measures the oxygen
consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of live cells and tissues in a 24-well plate
format. OCR and ECAR are key indicators of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, and provide a systems-
level view of cellular metabolic function in cells and ex-vivo tissue samples from model organisms and humans.
4. Equipment for urine and fecal collection and blood pressure measurement.
5. Rodent incubators that allow for the study of mice under cold ambient or warm thermoneutral conditions.
6. Gnotobiotics service. Gnotobiotic technology enables breeding and maintenance of germ-free animals
de...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10046237
- **Project number:** 2P30DK098722-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Allison W Xu
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $186,817
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10046237

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10046237, Core B: Mouse Metabolism and Imaging (2P30DK098722-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10046237. Licensed CC0.

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