Seahorse XFe24 Metabolic Flux Analyzer - PROJECT SUMMARY The application seeks support to acquire an XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer to advance research initiatives led by six investigators from Auburn University Montgomery (AUM) and one from Tuskegee University. These investigators are actively pursuing both NIH and NSF funding opportunities. The XFe24 is crucial for generating highly supportive preliminary data essential for successful grant applications across diverse areas of study. The research areas span cardio and cerebrovascular disease, cancer, adipose tissue biology, environmental toxicology, host-pathogen interactions, basic and applied microbiology, immunology, and cell biology. Primary users include Drs. Siva Sakamuri, David Ro, and Shivakant from AUM, supported by minor users Drs. Douglas Leaman, Ben Okeke, Pete Haddix from AUM, and Dr. Balasubramanyam Karanam from Tuskegee University. The justification for acquiring the XFe24 includes: 1) Unique Equipment Capabilities: Similar equipment is unavailable at the College of Sciences (COS) or nearby colleges or institutes. 2) Faculty Expertise: Newly recruited COS faculty possess extensive technical knowledge, and the instrument is vital for generating preliminary data for grant applications. 3) Research Priority: Existing COS faculty strongly prioritize investigating energy metabolism in their established research to understand underlying mechanisms comprehensively. 4) Educational Value: Glycolysis and Mitochondrial OXPHOS are fundamental energy pathways integral to COS biology and chemistry undergraduate courses. The XFe24 analyzer provides practical experience in these areas. 5) Graduate Student Training: Graduate students with Master’s degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will receive comprehensive training in this advanced technique, enhancing their academic and industrial competitiveness. 6) Research Impact: Research across various areas, including aging and neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, toxicology, cancer biology, general and industrial microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and immunology, heavily depends on the availability of this equipment to maintain competitiveness and achieve a strong record of scientific productivity. 7) Collaborative Opportunities: Researchers from nearby colleges and institutions can also utilize the XFe24 analyzer as a valuable research tool, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing. Acquisition of the XFe24 will support the immediate research needs of AUM and Tuskegee University investigators and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge and interdisciplinary collaborations within the region.
