Core Services: Human Phenotyping

Co-Directors: Jeffrey Horowitz, PhD, School of Kinesiology and Karen Peterson, DSc, School of Public Health

The Human Phenotyping Core overall objective is to enhance and expand the research capabilities of MMOC/NORC investigators performing clinical and translational studies related to nutritional interventions, obesity, or obesity-related disorders in humans. Working with the Nutrition Assessment Laboratory and the Physical Activity Lab, Core personnel offer assistance in the design, execution and interpretation of procedures for metabolism-related clinical and biobehavioral phenotyping as well as nutrition evaluation and intervention.

Services provided by the Human Phenotyping Core include:

• Provide MNORC investigators with expertise and infrastructure for sophisticated and standardized physiologic testing of human subjects in clinical and translational studies related to nutritional interventions, obesity, or obesity-related metabolic disorders.
• Provide training in the techniques used for the metabolic and neurobehavioral phenotyping of humans in clinical and translational studies.
• Provide consultation services to MNORC investigators in the methodology and design of clinical and translational studies to define the metabolic and neurobehavioral phenotype of humans.
• Providing services to directly assist MNORC investigators to conduct dietary, behavioral, and/or physical activity interventions in human subjects.
• Assist in the development of new techniques or acquire new technologies for human metabolic and neurobehavioral phenotyping.

Research Facilities

Nutrition Assessment Laboratory

Research dietitians, a research subject coordinator, and an experienced metabolic kitchen staff provide comprehensive nutrition services for research protocols, which is available to all investigators. The research dietitians are available to perform nutrition assessments using a wide variety of methods including 24-hour dietary recalls utilizing the USDA 5 pass method; three-day food diary instruction; dietary intake analysis via Nutrient Data System for Research (NDSR); validated food frequency questionnaires; individualized nutritional counseling, including weight loss and/or maintenance; and developing calculated controlled menus for both extended stay and outpatient use. Click here for more information.

Physical Activity Lab

Manager: Heidi IglayReger, PhD iglay@umich.edu.

Imaging Facilities

A collaboration between the UM NORC and the University of Michigan Department of Radiology and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory, provides access for UM NORC investigators to expert consultations and laboratory services from this lab. Multiple imagining options are available via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Stable Isotope Tracer Analysis

Dr. Horowitz’s Substrate Metabolism Laboratory in the School of Kinesiology offers services that measure substrate kinetics for UM NORC investigators interested in more advanced metabolic phenotypic assessment of human study participants.

Services and Rates

Hourly consulting rate	$31.12 per hour
Hyperinsulinemic/Euglycemic Clamp	$307.23 per test
Clamp with Tracer	$453.73 per test
Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT)	$110.00 per test
Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT) includes glucose and insulin analysis, and minimal model assessment of insulin sensitivity	$276.50 per test
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)	$53.25 per test
Meal Tolerance Test (MTT)	$53.25 per test
Substrate Kinetics (stable-isotope tracer studies)	$293.00 per test additional metabolite analysis: $83.25 per test
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Metabolism (microdialysis)	$305.45 per test
BodPod	$46.12 per test
Resting Metabolic Rate	$56.68 per test
Skeletal Muscle Biopsies	$133.95 per biopsy
Adipose Tissue Biopsies	$133.95 per biopsy
DEXA Scans	$89.38 per scan

Note that cost for some services include charges for time/effort of experienced, training, and/or licensed personnel. In instances where staff from the core users' research team assist or appropriately fill the role of Core staff to provide the service, the charges will be adjusted accordingly.

For nutrition-related services, please visit the Nutrition Assessment Lab page.

For physical activity-related service, please visit the Physical Activity Lab page.