Measuring mitochondrial function and glycolysis using the Seahorse XF analyzers

Abstract

Mitochondrial function and glycolysis play critical roles in a variety of vital cellular processes, including cellular activation, proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and disease progression. Seahorse Bioscience has developed a technology that enables the measurement of various metabolic parameters and functions using live cells, in real-time, in a microplate. Seahorse Analyzers profile cellular metabolic functions, using label-free, solid-state disposable optical sensors. The Seahorse Analyzers simultaneously measure mitochondrial respiration (oxidative phosphorylation; OXPHOS) via the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and glycolysis via the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Integrated drug injection ports allow for up to 4 reagent additions (e.g. drug or substrate) that can be programmed for automated delivery into the independent cell culture wells. Assay kits and reagents provide standard methods for quantifying mitochondrial respiration, glycolytic activity, endogenous and exogenous fatty acid oxidation, substrate oxidation, and metabolic phenotype. Seahorse XF technology has been applied to multiple research areas, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders, immunology, cardiovascular function, neurodegeneration, virology, and aging.