We aim at simplifying 13C metabolic flux analysis for clinical practice. We will build kits that combine optimally designed media, in which clinicians can add the cells to be investigated. Cells will be processed by automated mass spectrometry and data analysis method to rapidly infer flux data from labeled samples. A special variant of mitochondrial analysis (MITOTRACER) will be developed.
A major obstacle for all clinical disciplines aiming at metabolism is the overwhelming difficulty to measure metabolic activity (fluxes) of cells/tissues in depth. The unique approach to directly measure intracellular fluxes is using tracing by stable isotopes, mass spectrometry, and mathematical modeling. Traditionally, this technology has been too complex to penetrate clinical practice.
