Dr Dan Wilkinson
University of Nottingham, UK
Professor Ken Smith
University of Nottingham, UK
Dr Matthew Brook
University of Nottingham, UK
The Application of Stable Isotope Tracer Techniques in Human Physiological Research
This workshop will introduce the theory and application of stable isotope tracers and mass spectrometry in physiological research. When combined, these two approaches allow the measurement of the rates at which metabolic processes are occurring, providing insight into the factors and underlying mechanisms that regulate metabolism. This is an opportunity for early career researchers and postgraduate students who may have an interest in understanding or applying these techniques within their work.
Attendees will be introduced to the theory behind these novel isotopic approaches, and to the use of and application of state-of-the-art mass spectrometric analyses. This includes hands-on opportunities for sample preparation and access to a variety of mass spectrometric instrumentation. A basic introduction will be provided to the computational handling and interpretation of the data generated by these techniques.
At the end of the workshop participants will:
- Understand the basic theory behind the principles of stable isotope tracers in physiological research.
- Understand how to design and apply a stable isotope tracer approach to a specific physiological research question.
- Introduce the analytical approaches aligned to stable isotope tracer techniques in the form of mass spectrometry.
- Learn how to perform basic analytical and sample preparation for stable isotope tracer studies.
- Understand how to compute and interpret the raw data and apply the findings to original physiological questions.
Programme
Day 1: Theory of Stable Isotope Tracers and their Application to Physiological Research
This day will focus on the key concepts and theories of Stable Isotope Tracers and their application human/mammalian physiological research.
– Introduction to the Principles of Stable Isotope Tracers:
- What are Stable Isotope Tracers?
- Brief History of Stable Isotope Tracers and Application
– Application of Stable Isotope Tracer Techniques to the study of human metabolism:
- Protein Metabolism and other polymers (lipid and glucose metabolism)
– Development of Non/Minimally Invasive Stable Isotope Technique in the study of Physiology:
- Whole body protein turnover
- The COSIAM approach
- Digestibility/Dual Tracer approaches
– Use of Deuterium Oxide and the future applications of stable isotopes to the OMICs sciences (Guest Lecturer).
– Guest lecture: Data handling and Informatics approaches in physiology (Dr Iain Gallagher, Edinburgh Napier University).
Day 2: Practical Application of Stable Isotope Tracers using Mass Spectrometry
– Introduction to Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography:
- Introduction of different machinery and technologies available, how these work and how they are applied to different types of stable isotope tracers.
– Stable isotope tracer analyses practical sessions
- Introduction to basic sample handling and sample preparation.
- Instrument set up and QC/QA.
- Running of prepared samples of different types for different analyses.
– Optional introduction to OMICs and sample analyses for these approaches.
– Discussion about study design and application to individual delegates studies.
Day 3: Practical Application of Stable Isotope Tracers using Mass Spectrometry
– Stable isotope tracer analyses, data acquisition and reduction:
- Instrument data visualisation and checking.
- Extraction of data from instrumentation, key aspects of QC/QA to ensure quality of data, including examples of good and bad data.
– Analytical considerations and how to calculate key stable isotope outputs – Computer based session.
Registration
Registration is now open and closes on 01 August 2023.
Before registering please read our event terms and conditions.
Registration rates
| Membership category | One day (theory only) |
Three days |
|---|---|---|
| Members | £30.00 | £100.00 |
| Non-Members | £90.00 | £300.00 |
Member Registration
In order to register as a member, you first need to log in with username and password. The system will default to the correct fee.
Should you have any queries, please email events@physoc.org
Non-member registration
In order to register as a non-member you need to create a guest account. By joining as a member, you will benefit from reduced registration and other key member benefits including:
Free online access to The Society’s three world-class journals
Free or discounted registration for Society events
Eligibility for Society’s grant schemes
To find out more about membership with The Society, please click here or email membership@physoc.org
You may be eligible to apply for a Professional Development Award to support your attendance.
Registration closes at 23:59 on 1 August 2023.