CNS-Met Metabolomics Core
Overview
The CNS-Metabolism Core (CNS-MET COBRE Core) is an integrated research resource designed to advance investigations into central nervous system metabolism and mitochondrial function. The Core is organized into two distinct but complementary units: the Metabolomics Core and the Bioenergetics Core, together providing comprehensive metabolic and mitochondrial phenotyping capabilities.
The Metabolomics Core offers CNS-MET COBRE-funded investigators access to advanced targeted metabolomics and lipidomics technologies. The Core provides comprehensive support spanning experimental design, optimized sample preparation, data acquisition, and rigorous data processing to ensure high-quality, reproducible metabolic datasets. While initially established to support studies focused on CNS metabolism, the Core is equipped to analyze a broad range of biological matrices, including brain tissue, liver tissue, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby enabling both CNS-focused and systemic metabolic investigations.
Together with the Bioenergetics Core, we provide a robust, synergistic infrastructure that supports mechanistic, translational, and systems-level studies of metabolism and mitochondrial biology in health and disease.
Core Services
The Core provides:
- Experimental design consultation and project-specific planning
- Guidance on sample preparation and handling
- Targeted LC–MS/MS and GC–MS metabolite analysis
- Data processing, quality control assessment, and curated data tables
- Consultation to support interpretation of metabolomics datasets
All workflows are standardized to ensure reproducible and consistent results.
Metabolite Panels
LC–MS/MS Targeted Metabolomics (HILIC Workflow)
This targeted workflow utilizes hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled to an Agilent 6495C triple quadrupole LC–MS to detect and quantify between 70 to 200 polar metabolites, depending on sample type.
This method profiles metabolites involved in:
- Central carbon metabolism
- Amino acid metabolism
- Nucleotide metabolism
- Sugar phosphates
- CoA derivatives
- Redox metabolism
The HILIC method is optimized for polar metabolite resolution and high-sensitivity detection across diverse biological matrices.
LC–MS/MS Targeted Metabolomics (HILIC Workflow)
This targeted workflow utilizes hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled to an Agilent 6495C triple quadrupole LC–MS to detect and quantify between 70 to 200 polar metabolites, depending on sample type.
This method profiles metabolites involved in:
- Central carbon metabolism
- Amino acid metabolism
- Nucleotide metabolism
- Sugar phosphates
- CoA derivatives
- Redox metabolism
The HILIC method is optimized for polar metabolite resolution and high-sensitivity detection across diverse biological matrices.
LC–MS/MS Targeted Lipidomics (C18 Workflow)
This workflow utilizes reversed-phase C18 chromatography coupled to the Agilent 6495C triple quadrupole LC–MS to quantify over 300 lipid species across major lipid classes.
The C18 method provides robust separation and sensitive detection of:
- Ceramides
- Acylcarnitines
- Cholesterol esters
- Free fatty acids
- Diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols
- Phospholipids
This workflow is optimized for non-polar and semi-polar lipid species.
LC–MS/MS Targeted Lipidomics (C18 Workflow)
This workflow utilizes reversed-phase C18 chromatography coupled to the Agilent 6495C triple quadrupole LC–MS to quantify over 300 lipid species across major lipid classes.
The C18 method provides robust separation and sensitive detection of:
- Ceramides
- Acylcarnitines
- Cholesterol esters
- Free fatty acids
- Diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols
- Phospholipids
This workflow is optimized for non-polar and semi-polar lipid species.
GC–MS Central Carbon Metabolism Panel*
Based on the Fiehn metabolomics approach, this method profiles approximately 20 derivatized polar metabolites involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle.
Suitable for:
- Brain tissue
- Plasma
- Cultured cells
*Compatible with ¹³C stable isotope tracer experiments.
GC–MS Central Carbon Metabolism Panel*
Based on the Fiehn metabolomics approach, this method profiles approximately 20 derivatized polar metabolites involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle.
Suitable for:
- Brain tissue
- Plasma
- Cultured cells
*Compatible with ¹³C stable isotope tracer experiments.
Major Equipment
Agilent 5977B GC–MS (Single Quadrupole)
Coupled to an Agilent 8890 GC system with a 150-sample autosampler, optimized for high-throughput analysis of derivatized metabolites.
Agilent 6495C Triple Quadrupole LC–MS
Coupled to a 1290 HPLC system, this platform supports HILIC-based metabolomics and C18-based lipidomics workflows with high sensitivity.
Major Equipment
Agilent 5977B GC–MS (Single Quadrupole)
Coupled to an Agilent 8890 GC system with a 150-sample autosampler, optimized for high-throughput analysis of derivatized metabolites.
Agilent 6495C Triple Quadrupole LC–MS
Coupled to a 1290 HPLC system, this platform supports HILIC-based metabolomics and C18-based lipidomics workflows with high sensitivity.
Data Processing and Analytics
The Core performs:
- Raw data processing and peak integration using Agilent MassHunter (Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis)
- Quality control assessment
- Stable isotope data extraction using DExSI (when applicable)
- Delivery of curated data tables (Excel format)
The Core provides consultation to support biological interpretation. Investigators are responsible for downstream statistical analysis and figure generation unless otherwise arranged.
Data Processing and Analytics
The Core performs:
- Raw data processing and peak integration using Agilent MassHunter (Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis)
- Quality control assessment
- Stable isotope data extraction using DExSI (when applicable)
- Delivery of curated data tables (Excel format)
The Core provides consultation to support biological interpretation. Investigators are responsible for downstream statistical analysis and figure generation unless otherwise arranged.
Contact Information
For assistance with metabolite panels, experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition, or project scheduling, please contact:
Dr. Lance Johnson
COBRE Core Director
Johnson.Lance@uky.edu
Dr. Cecily Wood
COBRE Core Manager
Cecily.wood@uky.edu
CNS-Met Metabolomics Core Sample Submission Form
To initiate a project, please complete the CNS-Met Metabolomics Core Sample Submission Form:
Investigators are encouraged to initiate contact early in the study planning process to ensure appropriate experimental design and workflow selection.