Lipidomics and Metabolomics

About the Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource

The Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource (LMSR) is a focal point for the development of a sustainable critical mass of expertise in lipid signaling and state-of-the-art analytical techniques. The LMSR provides cost-effective analyses for quantitative and qualitative lipidomic and metabolomic analyses. Staff provides consultative services for experimental design and data interpretation, education to certify end-users in the use of the equipment, operator-assisted analysis and instrument maintenance.

The LMSR’s integrated workflow allows scientists to efficiently carry out research in various areas, such as biomarker identification and validation from multiple biological materials, metabolic perturbation following various cancer treatments and comparative analysis of differential treatment regimes.

Data for over 100 peer-reviewed publications has been produced by the LMSR in collaboration with groups at VCU, and national and international researchers.

Services
Submission procedure

The LMSR works with a wide variety of biological samples, including serum, plasma, tissues, cells and cell media (dye-free is preferred). Samples are extracted using the appropriate extraction methods, followed by the requested analysis. All data will be delivered to the submitting individual and laboratory PI as an easy-to-read Excel file.

Before submitting samples, contact LMSR personnel to arrange the appropriate logistics. Some analytes are unstable and require immediate analysis.

A sample submission form must accompany all samples via SmartSheets. A separate sheet should be attached to the online sample submission form explaining what each numerical label represents and the normalization values, such as measured total protein(mg), total cell number(per million), total volume (μL) or tissue weight (mg) within that sample. If the amounts of each sample are not available, a decision on sample normalization must be made and approved before we can extract the samples.

Samples submitted in solvents such as water and methanol are generally accepted for MS analysis. Highly viscous samples such as DMSO and DMF should be avoided. If you are submitting a sample in solution, please indicate what the sample was dissolved in and the total concentration of the sample. You must contact LMSR personnel if your samples are stored in buffers or detergents to determine the feasibility of extraction. Both salts and detergents can reduce signal response if not accommodated during extraction and mass spec analysis. Some samples can be cleaned up to remove salts and buffers. We do not accept samples embedded in OCT.

Please direct any shipping questions, sample preparation method questions and additional sample submission questions by emailing Megan Scalzo at scalzomt@vcu.edu.

Process

The LMSR works with a variety of samples including serum, plasma, tissues, cells and cell media (dye-free preferred). Samples are extracted using a modified Bligh-Dyer followed by the requested quantitative analysis. All data will be delivered to the submitting individual and laboratory PI as an easy-to-read Excel file.

Targeted lipids:
- Uses internal standards and methods to yield highly sensitive, accurate data on species of interest within lipid classes
- Allows for quantification utilizing three separate identifiers for each analyte:
  - Internal standards
  - Structure-specific fragmentation
  - UHPLC retention times
- Many species within a lipid class can be quantified in a single run while separating stereoisomers and potential isobaric contaminants
Targeted metabolites:
- Uses internal standards and methods to yield highly sensitive, accurate data on species of interest within water-soluble classes/pathways
- Allows for quantification utilizing two separate identifiers for each analyte:
  - Structure-specific fragmentation
  - UHPLC retention times
- Culturing cells with stable isotope-labeled metabolites (e.g., 13C-labeled glucose) enables tracing metabolic flux through pathways of interest
Untargeted analysis:
- Allow the relative quantitation of many metabolites in a single run
- Enables the exploration of potential classes/species for targeted analysis
- Untargeted analysis also allows for biomarker discovery, global metabolite profiling, and global pathway analysis
- It can test the effect of mutations, treatments, etc. on a biological sample’s “-omic” profile
Services
- Targeted Analysis
  - Cardiolipin Analysis
  - Eicosanoid Analysis
  - Ganglioside GM3 Analysis
  - LPA Analysis
  - Phospholipid Analysis
  - Sphingolipids
  - Sphingolipid Kinase Assay
  - Steroid Hormone Analysis
  - Metabolites
  - Metabolic pathway:
    - The LMSR is also available for consultation for development of targeted LC-MS/MS methodologies for water-soluble metabolites/pathways not currently offered.
  - Untargeted Analysis
  - Additional Services
    - If analysis is needed for compounds not listed above, please contact us, as we may be able to develop an appropriate method to suit your needs.
    - Priced per hour work by core staff
    - Certified User
    - Data Analysis
Massey member subsidy benefit

Massey subsidizes 25 percent of the cost of members’ core laboratory usage for the following Massey-supported, fee-for-service shared resources:
- Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
- Lipidomics & Metabolomics Shared Resource
- Microscopy Shared Resource
- Tissue and Data Acquisition and Analysis Core
- Transgenic/Knockout Mouse Shared Resource
- Cancer Mouse Models Core
- Proteomics Shared Resource
To receive this member benefit, please initiate core lab services using a VCU index code associated with your name. When you are billed for core laboratory usage, the Rams FORCE system will automatically split the invoice between your index code and a Massey account established for this purpose. You will be charged 75 percent of the published rate and Massey will provide a 25 percent co-pay to cover the balance. Please direct any questions or concerns about the member subsidy benefit to Paul Fawcett, Ph.D. at paul.fawcett@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0975.

Rates

Listed are the current rates for FY25. To access the downloadable version, please click here.

Please note: External academic pricing is equal to VCU Pricing + fringe (55%). Reduced rates and pricing are also available for LMSR-certified users at a No-technician rate.

* denotion: Some panels may require multiple injection runs to cover all species.

Service	Analyte Classes/Description	VCU Price	External Academic Pricing
Targeted Analysis
Lipid Species Classes
Cardiolipin Analysis	(C18:2)3(C18:3)1, (C18:2)4, (C18:2)3(C18:1)1, (C18:2)2(C18:1)2, (C18:2)3(C18:0)1, (C18:2)3(C22:6)1, (C18:2)2(C18:1)1(C22:6)1, (C18:2)2(C22:6)2.	$41.00/sample	$63.65/sample
Eicosanoid Analysis	Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid HETEs: 5(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, 15(S)-HETE, 20-HETE Prostaglandins: Prostaglandin A2, Prostaglandin D2, Prostaglandin E1, Prostaglandin E2, Prostaglandin F2α, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2, 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α, Thromboxanes: Thromboxane B2 Leukotrienes: Leukotriene B4, Leukotriene C4, Leukotriene D4, Leukotriene E4 Resolvins: Resolvin D1, Resolvin D2 Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids: (±)8(9)-EET, (±)14(15)-EET (±)11,12-DHET, (±)14,15-DHET, (±)8,9-DHET Isoprostanes: 8-iso Prostaglandin F2α, 5-iPF2α-VI, Lipoxins: 5(S),6(R)-Lipoxin A4	$57.00/sample	$88.50/sample
Eicosanoid Analysis	Additional species available upon request: [may require additional injections] Including: 12(S)-HHTrE, (±)5(6)-EET, (±)11(12)-EET, 12(S)-HETrE, (±)5,6-DHET, 11-dehydro-2,3-dinor Thromboxane B2, 2,3-dinor Thromboxane B2, 2,3-dinor-6-keto Prostaglandin F1α, 11-dehydro Thromboxane B2, Oleoyl Ethanolamide	varies	varies
Ganglioside GM3 Analysis	d18:1 and d18:0 sphingoid bases with n-acyl chain lengths of C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Steroid Hormone Analysis	Dehydroepiandrosterone, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Estradiol, 2-Methoxyestradiol, Dihydrotestosterone, Cortisol, Progesterone, Corticosterone	$41.00/sample	$63.65/ sample
Phospholipid Analysis	PE/PC/PS 16:0-16:0, 16:0-16:1, 16:0-18:0, 16:0-18:1, 16:0-18:3, 16:0-20:4, 16:0-20:3, 16:0-22:6, 16:0-22:5, 16:1-16:0, 16:1-16:1, 16:1-18:0, 16:1-18:1, 16:1-18:3, 16:1-20:4, 16:1-20:3, 16:1-22:6, 16:1-22:5, 18:0-16:0, 18:0-16:1, 18:0-18:0, 18:0-18:1, 18:0-18:3, 18:0-20:4, 18:0-20:3, 18:0-22:6, 18:0-22:5, 18:1-16:0, 18:1-16:1, 18:1-18:0, 18:1-18:1, 18:1-18:3, 18:1-20:4, 18:1-20:3, 18:1-22:6, and 18:1-22:5	$46.25/ sample per run*	$71.80/sample per run*
	LPE/LPC/LPS/LPA 16:0, 18:1, 18:0, 20:4, 20:2, 20:0, 22:6, 22:4, 22:2, 22:0, 24:1, and 24:0	$46.25/ sample per run*	$71.80/sample per run*
	Additional N-acyl fatty acid combinations upon request	varies	varies
Sphingolipids	Sphingolipid (LCB & S1P) Sphingosine, Sphinganine, Sphingosine-1-phosphate, Sphinganine-1-phosphate	$23.00/sample	$35.71/sample
	Sphingolipid (LCB & Ceramides) Above LCB & S1P, Ceramides N-acyl chain lengths = C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0	$26.25/sample	$40.75/sample
	Sphingolipid Full Analysis Above LCB & Ceramides, Monohexosylceramides, Sphingomyelins N-acyl chain lengths = C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
	Dihydrosphingolipids N-acyl chain lengths = C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0 (price is added to Sphingolipid full analysis)	$26.25/sample	$40.75/sample
	The LMSR can accommodate analysis of other sphingoid bases and N-acyl fatty acid combinations upon request Additionally, the core can analyze: Ceramide 1-Phosphate; Lactosylceramides; and Sulfatides. Resolution of the Monohexosylceramides Glucosylceramide and Galactosylceramide is also available	varies	varies
Bile Acids	Bile Acid Analysis in development Taurocholic acid, Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, Glycoursodeoxycholic acid, Glycocholic acid, Taurochenodeoxycholic acid, Taurodeoxycholic acid, Ursodeoxycholic acid, Cholic acid, Glycochenodeoxycholic acid, Hyodeoxycholic acid, Glycodeoxycholic acid, Taurolithocholic acid, Chenodeoxycholic acid, Glycolithocholic acid, Deoxycholic acid, Lithocholic Acid, α-Muricholic acid, β-Muricholic acid, ω-Muricholic acid	tbd	tbd
Targeted Metabolite Classes
Acyl-Carnitine	C3:0 Carnitine, C4-OH:0 Carnitine, C5:0 Carnitine, C8:0 Carnitine, C10:0 Carnitine, C12:0 Carnitine, C14:0 Carnitine, C16:0 Carnitine, C18:0 Carnitine, C18:2 Carnitine	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Amino Acids	Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cystathionine, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Taurine, Glutathione	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Coenzyme Q	CoQ10, CoQ10H2, CoQ9, CoQ9H2	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
Nucleotides	ADP, AMP, ATP, CTP, GMP, GTP, IMP, UMP, UTP, TTP/dTTP, TMP/dTMP	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
Short Chain CoA	CoA, acetoacetyl-CoA, acetyl-CoA, CoA, glutaryl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids	Palmitic Acid (C16:0), Palmitoeic Acid (C16:1) Stearic Acid (C18:0), Oleic Acid (C18:1), Linoleic Acid (C18:2), Arachidonic Acid (C20:4), Docosanoic Acid (C22:0), Lignoceric Acid (C24:0)	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids	Additional species available upon request: [may require additional injections] Additional PUFAs: FA 18:3, FA 20:2, FA 20:3, FA 20:5, FA 22:3, FA 22:4, FA 22:5, FA 22:6 Resolution of Oleic Acid and Elaidic Acid	varies	varies
Very Short Chain Fatty Acids	Acetic Acid, Butyric Acid, and Propionic Acid (Analysis includes cost of derivatization)	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Metabolic Pathway Analyses
Glycine Degradation	Glycine, Creatinine, Creatine, Choline, Betaine, Ornithine, Glutathione, Methionine, Glutamine, Glutamate, Sarcosine, Serine	$50.00/sample	$77.63/sample
Glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis	Glucose, [Fructose 6-phosphate + Glucose 6-phosphate + Glucose 1-phosphate], [Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate + Glucose 1,6-bisphosphate], Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, Glycerate 3-phosphate + Glycerate 2-phosphate, Phosphoenolpyruvate, Pyruvate, Lactate	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Ketogenesis	Acetoacetyl-CoA, Acetoacetate, Beta-hydroxybutyrate, Acetyl-CoA, Cyclic AMP, Malonyl-CoA	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
One-Carbon Pathway	Methionine Cycle Homocysteine (Hyc), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), Methionine (Met), 5'-Methylthioadenosine (MTA), Choline, Betaine, Dimethylglycine	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
	Methionine Cycle + Transsulfuration Pathway Includes the above Methionine Cycle + the following: Cystathionine, Cysteine, Glutathione, Taurine, Glycine, Serine	$55.00/sample	$85.39/sample
	Full One-Carbon Pathway Includes the above Methionine Cycle+Transsulfuration Pathways and the recently added Folate Cycle: 10-formyl THF, 5-mTHF, 5,10-methenyl THF, 5,10-methylene THF, Deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate (dUMP), Dihydrofolate, 5' Thymidylic Acid (dTMP), Folic acid, Tetrahydrofolate (THF)	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Pathways of Purine and Pyrimidine	Purine Metabolism: Adenine, Adenosine, ADP, Allantoin, AMP, ATP, GDP, GMP, GTP, Guanine, Guanosine, Hypoxanthine, IMP, Inosine, Uric Acid, Xanthine Pyrimidine Metabolism: Alanine, Aspartic Acid, CDP, CMP, CTP, Cytidine, UDP, UMP, Uridine, UTP	$45.00/sample per run*	$69.86/sample per run*
Pentose Phosphate Pathway	[Xylulose 5-phosphate + Ribose 1-phosphate + Ribose 5-phosphate + Ribulose 5-phosphate], Sedoheptulose 7-phosphate, Erythrose 4-phosphate, [Fructose 6-phosphate + Glucose 6-phosphate + Glucose 1-phosphate], 6-phosphogluconate	$55.00/sample	$85.39/sample
TCA Cycle	Acetyl CoA, Citrate, cis-Aconitate, Itaconate, Isocitrate, α-Ketoglutarate, Succinyl-CoA, Succinate, Fumarate, Malate, Oxaloacetate	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Urea Cycle	Urea, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Argininosuccinate, Citrulline, Ornithine, Uric acid	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Custom Targeted Metabolic Panels
Custom Metabolic Panel	The LMSR also provides consultation for the development of targeted LC-MS/MS methodologies for water-soluble metabolites/pathways not currently offered. (Cost varies based on the number of species, required internal standards, and relevant personnel/instrument time)	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Custom Small Panel Analysis	Custom panel of six analytes or less (e.g., Hydroxyproline, c-di-AMP)	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
Method Development	If analysis is needed for compounds not listed above, please contact us, as we may be able to develop an appropriate method to suit your needs.	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
Drugs & Drug Metabolites	The LMSR is available for consultation for the development of targeted LC-MS/MS methodologies specific to drug treatments/trials (The cost will vary based on extended analysis time)	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
Isotope Label / Metabolite Tracing	Understanding shifts in cell metabolism by following isotopic tracers through metabolic pathways. (The cost will vary based on extended analysis time)	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Untargeted analysis
Untargeted Lipidomics	Instrument set-up	$150.00/set	$232.88/set
	Sample Prep & Run: Samples are extracted using a modified Bligh-Dyer or Bligh-Dyer depending on the sample type	$170.00/sample	$263.93/sample
	Data Processing & Analysis: Allows the relative quantitation of many lipid classes in a single run, which enables exploration of potential classes/species for targeted analysis.	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
Untargeted Metabolomics	Instrument Set-Up	$150.00/set	$232.88/set
	Sample Prep & Run: Samples are extracted using a Methanol Protein crash or Bligh-Dyer depending on the sample type	$170.00/sample	$263.93/sample
	Data Processing & Analysis: Allows the relative quantitation of many water-soluble classes in a single run, which enables exploration of potential classes/species for targeted analysis.	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
*Unassisted Use*
Instrument Time	Sciex QTRAP 5500: Certified users are granted access to scheduling time to run and analyze their samples on a per-hour basis.	$68.25/hour	$105.96/hour
Instrument Time	Sciex QTRAP 6500: Certified users are granted access to scheduling time to run and analyze their samples on a per-hour basis.	$68.25/hour	$105.96/hour
Agilent Seahorse Use	Analysis of Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis: The Agilent Seahorse XF platform measures the two main metabolic pathways, mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, for live cells in real-time, to provide functional kinetic measurements of cellular bioenergetics.	$100.00/plate	$155.25/plate
Training Session
Certified User Training	The LSMR has developed a certified user program to train students, post-doctoral candidates, and faculty in the usage of LC/MS/MS instrumentation and data analysis.	$143.25/hour	$222.40/hour
Additional services
Normalization	Total Lipid Phosphate Assay Staff extract and measure the phosphorylated lipids per sample to assist in the normalization of data post facto	$10.00/sample	$15.53/sample
Technician Time	Priced per hour work by LMSR staff	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
Consultation	LMSR faculty provide advice on mass spec issues involved in the design, conduct and analysis of research projects.	$0.00/hour	$0.00/hour

Facilities and equipment
Location: The LMSR is located in Sanger Hall 2-012 and 2-006 with additional space and freezers in 2-010. Standard operating hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Certified users have access to the facility 24/7.

Equipment: The facility is built around two tandem triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometers and a Thermoscientific Q Exactive HF OrbiTrap. Each mass spectrometer has its own autosampler, nitrogen generator, LC system, and computer control and data acquisition in ~1200 sq ft of two adjacent, newly renovated, RFID-controlled lab spaces. This space contains all of the necessary equipment for sample storage and lipid extraction, including a Spex liquid nitrogen freezer mill for tissue homogenization.
- SCIEX 5500 QTrap: The 5500 quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer has been used for the development of LC-MS/MS methodologies which allow the analysis of 60-80 lipids per run for glycerophospholipids, eicosanoids, and sphingolipids with suitable transitions to account for a wide range of acyl change combinations. The sensitivity of the 5500 has allowed for the quantitation of lipids bound to immunoprecipitated proteins for publications in both Science and Nature.
- SCIEX 6500 QTrap: Coupled with a quaternary pump Shimadzu Nexera UHPLC system, the Sciex 6500 quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer has the highest sensitivity of the instruments in our core. The 6500 enables quantitation low-abundant lipid species as well as a wide array of water-soluble metabolites.
- Thermo-Fisher Q-Exactive HF: The Q-Exactive is designed for high-resolution, accurate mass, systems-level lipidomics and metabolomics analysis. This industry-leading hardware is integrated with next-generation data analysis capability to interrogate two extensive and comprehensive product ion spectra “fingerprint” databases. One, the “lipidsearch”, for identification and semi-quantitative analysis of over 8000 lipid species, will significantly build on our primary historical strength, which is lipidomics, and also extend the scope of our capabilities in this area by 2 orders of magnitude greater sensitivity, providing a more thorough analytic capability for our lipid samples. Second, and most new, is the “compound discoverer” database, which will allow identification and semi-quantitative analysis of small, water-soluble metabolic intermediates, such as those of relevance to microbiome research and cancer cell metabolism.
- Agilent Seahorse XF: This instrument measures oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). OCR is an indicator of mitochondrial respiration, and ECAR is largely the result of glycolysis.
Education
The LMSR provides several opportunities for new and returning users to gain a better understanding of the mass spectrometry work behind lipidomics and metabolomics.
- Certified user program: The LSMR has developed a certified user program to train students, post-doctoral candidates, and faculty in the usage of LC/MS/MS instrumentation and data analysis. Certified users are granted access to scheduling time to run and analyze their own samples on a per hour basis.
- LMSR faculty provide advice on mass spec issues involved in the design, conduct and analysis of research projects.
- Metabolomics Working Group: The LMSR has also partnered with Massey’s Metabolomics Working Group to provide further educational opportunities centered around metabolomics and mass spectrometry. Any individuals interested in studying metabolism or using metabolomics are invited to participate.
Explore upcoming LMSR training and educational events in the related classes & events section below.
Suggested grant language
The Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource (LMSR) provides highly sensitive and specific analyses of lipids and small-metabolites for investigators at VCU and the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The LMSR facilities enable the qualitative and quantitative investigation of the lipidome in both in vitro and in vivo studies involving cell lines, animal models, and/or human samples. This is accomplished using an advanced instrumentation suite that is nationally competitive amongst lipidomic facilities. Specifically, the LMSR maintains 4 advanced quadrupole linear ion trap (QTrap) mass spectrometers, each equipped with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system.

The core also utilizes a Thermoscientific Q Exactive HF OrbiTrap coupled to a UHPLC for untargeted lipidomics and metabolomics with 240,000 resolution. This equipment enables highly sensitive and specific identification and/or quantification of changes to both lipids and water-soluble metabolites in a high-throughput fashion and over a large dynamic range. Lipid classes analyzed include- but are not limited to- glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols. Targeted analyses of water-soluble species include metabolites, grouped either by similar structure or metabolic pathway. The LMSR also provides custom analyses including isotopic labeling/metabolite tracing upon consultation. Untargeted analyses provide data from a database of over 8000 lipids and more than 20,000 water-soluble metabolites.

The resource is directed by L. Ashley Cowart, PhD, who is supported by the operational director, Jeremy Allegood, PhD, the metabolomics specialist, Yang Yue, PhD, the analytical chemist, Lindsay Sandusky, and the lab manager, Megan Scalzo. Drs. Allegood, Cowart, and Yue provide consultative services for experimental design and data interpretation and assist with novel method development. The LMSR is a jointly-managed (Massey and VCU) resource located in Sanger Hall and within close walking distance of Massey. Standard hours for the facility are 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The usage of services and equipment is tracked and charged back. The LMSR adds significant value to VCU and Massey research by providing services that otherwise would not be practically obtainable or would be cost-prohibitive through alternative vendors or even other non-profit institutions. Overall, the instrumentation and expertise available in the LMSR have facilitated the development of a growing user base of VCU faculty and Massey members, as well as investigators from other institutions whose research routinely garners peer-reviewed national funding and generates publications in high-impact scientific journals.

Major instrumentation:
- Sciex 5500 QTrap: Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap used for most of LMSR’s quantitative lipid methods. Allows for 100 fmol or lower LoQ for sphingolipids, eicosanoids, glycerophospholipids, steroids, and lysophospholipids. Allows analysis of samples that range from lipid bound to protein pulldowns to cells/tissues/fluids.
- Sciex 6500 QTrap: Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap used for LMSR’s quantitative lipid methods that require more sensitivity in negative mode or of higher m/z values. Beneficial for cardiolipins, sulfatides, ganglioside species, and some glycerophospholipids.
- Thermoscientific Q Exactive HF OrbiTrap: The OrbiTrap allows identification and relative quantitation of over 8000 lipid species and more than 20000 water-soluble metabolites. Utilizing the OrbiTrap’s 240,000 resolution allows significantly increased confidence in qualitative data.
Contact

General contact information

For general inquiries or service requests, please contact us at lmsr@vcu.edu.

L. Ashley Cowart, Ph.D
Scientific and executive director
Professor and Interim Chair, Cellular, Molecular and Genetic Medicine
(804) 827-7910
lauren.cowart@vcuhealth.org

Jeremy Allegood, Ph.D.
Operational director/manager
Assistant Professor, Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine
(804) 827-9909
jeremy.allegood@vcuhealth.org

Yang Yue, Ph.D.
Metabolomics specialist
yuey3@vcu.edu

Lindsay Sandusky
Analytical chemist
sanduskyl@vcu.edu

Megan Scalzo
Laboratory manager
(804) 628-4516
scalzomt@vcu.edu

Submission procedure

The LMSR works with a wide variety of biological samples, including serum, plasma, tissues, cells and cell media (dye-free is preferred). Samples are extracted using the appropriate extraction methods, followed by the requested analysis. All data will be delivered to the submitting individual and laboratory PI as an easy-to-read Excel file.

Before submitting samples, contact LMSR personnel to arrange the appropriate logistics. Some analytes are unstable and require immediate analysis.

A sample submission form must accompany all samples via SmartSheets. A separate sheet should be attached to the online sample submission form explaining what each numerical label represents and the normalization values, such as measured total protein(mg), total cell number(per million), total volume (μL) or tissue weight (mg) within that sample. If the amounts of each sample are not available, a decision on sample normalization must be made and approved before we can extract the samples.

Samples submitted in solvents such as water and methanol are generally accepted for MS analysis. Highly viscous samples such as DMSO and DMF should be avoided. If you are submitting a sample in solution, please indicate what the sample was dissolved in and the total concentration of the sample. You must contact LMSR personnel if your samples are stored in buffers or detergents to determine the feasibility of extraction. Both salts and detergents can reduce signal response if not accommodated during extraction and mass spec analysis. Some samples can be cleaned up to remove salts and buffers. We do not accept samples embedded in OCT.

Please direct any shipping questions, sample preparation method questions and additional sample submission questions by emailing Megan Scalzo at scalzomt@vcu.edu.

Process

The LMSR works with a variety of samples including serum, plasma, tissues, cells and cell media (dye-free preferred). Samples are extracted using a modified Bligh-Dyer followed by the requested quantitative analysis. All data will be delivered to the submitting individual and laboratory PI as an easy-to-read Excel file.

Targeted lipids:

Uses internal standards and methods to yield highly sensitive, accurate data on species of interest within lipid classes
Allows for quantification utilizing three separate identifiers for each analyte:
- Internal standards
- Structure-specific fragmentation
- UHPLC retention times
Many species within a lipid class can be quantified in a single run while separating stereoisomers and potential isobaric contaminants

Targeted metabolites:

Uses internal standards and methods to yield highly sensitive, accurate data on species of interest within water-soluble classes/pathways
Allows for quantification utilizing two separate identifiers for each analyte:
- Structure-specific fragmentation
- UHPLC retention times
Culturing cells with stable isotope-labeled metabolites (e.g., 13C-labeled glucose) enables tracing metabolic flux through pathways of interest

Untargeted analysis:

Allow the relative quantitation of many metabolites in a single run
Enables the exploration of potential classes/species for targeted analysis
Untargeted analysis also allows for biomarker discovery, global metabolite profiling, and global pathway analysis
It can test the effect of mutations, treatments, etc. on a biological sample’s “-omic” profile

Services

Targeted Analysis
- Cardiolipin Analysis
- Eicosanoid Analysis
- Ganglioside GM3 Analysis
- LPA Analysis
- Phospholipid Analysis
- Sphingolipids
- Sphingolipid Kinase Assay
- Steroid Hormone Analysis
- Metabolites
- Metabolic pathway:
  - The LMSR is also available for consultation for development of targeted LC-MS/MS methodologies for water-soluble metabolites/pathways not currently offered.
- Untargeted Analysis
- Additional Services
  - If analysis is needed for compounds not listed above, please contact us, as we may be able to develop an appropriate method to suit your needs.
  - Priced per hour work by core staff
  - Certified User
  - Data Analysis

Lipid Species Classes
Water-Soluble Specific Classes

Massey member subsidy benefit

Massey subsidizes 25 percent of the cost of members’ core laboratory usage for the following Massey-supported, fee-for-service shared resources:

Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
Lipidomics & Metabolomics Shared Resource
Microscopy Shared Resource
Tissue and Data Acquisition and Analysis Core
Transgenic/Knockout Mouse Shared Resource
Cancer Mouse Models Core
Proteomics Shared Resource

To receive this member benefit, please initiate core lab services using a VCU index code associated with your name. When you are billed for core laboratory usage, the Rams FORCE system will automatically split the invoice between your index code and a Massey account established for this purpose. You will be charged 75 percent of the published rate and Massey will provide a 25 percent co-pay to cover the balance. Please direct any questions or concerns about the member subsidy benefit to Paul Fawcett, Ph.D. at paul.fawcett@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0975.

Listed are the current rates for FY25. To access the downloadable version, please click here.

Please note: External academic pricing is equal to VCU Pricing + fringe (55%). Reduced rates and pricing are also available for LMSR-certified users at a No-technician rate.

* denotion: Some panels may require multiple injection runs to cover all species.

Service	Analyte Classes/Description	VCU Price	External Academic Pricing
Targeted Analysis
Lipid Species Classes
Cardiolipin Analysis	(C18:2)3(C18:3)1, (C18:2)4, (C18:2)3(C18:1)1, (C18:2)2(C18:1)2, (C18:2)3(C18:0)1, (C18:2)3(C22:6)1, (C18:2)2(C18:1)1(C22:6)1, (C18:2)2(C22:6)2.	$41.00/sample	$63.65/sample
Eicosanoid Analysis	Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid HETEs: 5(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, 15(S)-HETE, 20-HETE Prostaglandins: Prostaglandin A2, Prostaglandin D2, Prostaglandin E1, Prostaglandin E2, Prostaglandin F2α, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2, 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α, Thromboxanes: Thromboxane B2 Leukotrienes: Leukotriene B4, Leukotriene C4, Leukotriene D4, Leukotriene E4 Resolvins: Resolvin D1, Resolvin D2 Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids: (±)8(9)-EET, (±)14(15)-EET (±)11,12-DHET, (±)14,15-DHET, (±)8,9-DHET Isoprostanes: 8-iso Prostaglandin F2α, 5-iPF2α-VI, Lipoxins: 5(S),6(R)-Lipoxin A4	$57.00/sample	$88.50/sample
Eicosanoid Analysis	Additional species available upon request: [may require additional injections] Including: 12(S)-HHTrE, (±)5(6)-EET, (±)11(12)-EET, 12(S)-HETrE, (±)5,6-DHET, 11-dehydro-2,3-dinor Thromboxane B2, 2,3-dinor Thromboxane B2, 2,3-dinor-6-keto Prostaglandin F1α, 11-dehydro Thromboxane B2, Oleoyl Ethanolamide	varies	varies
Ganglioside GM3 Analysis	d18:1 and d18:0 sphingoid bases with n-acyl chain lengths of C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Steroid Hormone Analysis	Dehydroepiandrosterone, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Estradiol, 2-Methoxyestradiol, Dihydrotestosterone, Cortisol, Progesterone, Corticosterone	$41.00/sample	$63.65/ sample
Phospholipid Analysis	PE/PC/PS 16:0-16:0, 16:0-16:1, 16:0-18:0, 16:0-18:1, 16:0-18:3, 16:0-20:4, 16:0-20:3, 16:0-22:6, 16:0-22:5, 16:1-16:0, 16:1-16:1, 16:1-18:0, 16:1-18:1, 16:1-18:3, 16:1-20:4, 16:1-20:3, 16:1-22:6, 16:1-22:5, 18:0-16:0, 18:0-16:1, 18:0-18:0, 18:0-18:1, 18:0-18:3, 18:0-20:4, 18:0-20:3, 18:0-22:6, 18:0-22:5, 18:1-16:0, 18:1-16:1, 18:1-18:0, 18:1-18:1, 18:1-18:3, 18:1-20:4, 18:1-20:3, 18:1-22:6, and 18:1-22:5	$46.25/ sample per run*	$71.80/sample per run*
	LPE/LPC/LPS/LPA 16:0, 18:1, 18:0, 20:4, 20:2, 20:0, 22:6, 22:4, 22:2, 22:0, 24:1, and 24:0	$46.25/ sample per run*	$71.80/sample per run*
	Additional N-acyl fatty acid combinations upon request	varies	varies
Sphingolipids	Sphingolipid (LCB & S1P) Sphingosine, Sphinganine, Sphingosine-1-phosphate, Sphinganine-1-phosphate	$23.00/sample	$35.71/sample
	Sphingolipid (LCB & Ceramides) Above LCB & S1P, Ceramides N-acyl chain lengths = C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0	$26.25/sample	$40.75/sample
	Sphingolipid Full Analysis Above LCB & Ceramides, Monohexosylceramides, Sphingomyelins N-acyl chain lengths = C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
	Dihydrosphingolipids N-acyl chain lengths = C14:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:1, C24:0, C26:1, C26:0 (price is added to Sphingolipid full analysis)	$26.25/sample	$40.75/sample
	The LMSR can accommodate analysis of other sphingoid bases and N-acyl fatty acid combinations upon request Additionally, the core can analyze: Ceramide 1-Phosphate; Lactosylceramides; and Sulfatides. Resolution of the Monohexosylceramides Glucosylceramide and Galactosylceramide is also available	varies	varies
Bile Acids	Bile Acid Analysis in development Taurocholic acid, Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, Glycoursodeoxycholic acid, Glycocholic acid, Taurochenodeoxycholic acid, Taurodeoxycholic acid, Ursodeoxycholic acid, Cholic acid, Glycochenodeoxycholic acid, Hyodeoxycholic acid, Glycodeoxycholic acid, Taurolithocholic acid, Chenodeoxycholic acid, Glycolithocholic acid, Deoxycholic acid, Lithocholic Acid, α-Muricholic acid, β-Muricholic acid, ω-Muricholic acid	tbd	tbd
Targeted Metabolite Classes
Acyl-Carnitine	C3:0 Carnitine, C4-OH:0 Carnitine, C5:0 Carnitine, C8:0 Carnitine, C10:0 Carnitine, C12:0 Carnitine, C14:0 Carnitine, C16:0 Carnitine, C18:0 Carnitine, C18:2 Carnitine	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Amino Acids	Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cystathionine, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Taurine, Glutathione	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Coenzyme Q	CoQ10, CoQ10H2, CoQ9, CoQ9H2	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
Nucleotides	ADP, AMP, ATP, CTP, GMP, GTP, IMP, UMP, UTP, TTP/dTTP, TMP/dTMP	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
Short Chain CoA	CoA, acetoacetyl-CoA, acetyl-CoA, CoA, glutaryl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids	Palmitic Acid (C16:0), Palmitoeic Acid (C16:1) Stearic Acid (C18:0), Oleic Acid (C18:1), Linoleic Acid (C18:2), Arachidonic Acid (C20:4), Docosanoic Acid (C22:0), Lignoceric Acid (C24:0)	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids	Additional species available upon request: [may require additional injections] Additional PUFAs: FA 18:3, FA 20:2, FA 20:3, FA 20:5, FA 22:3, FA 22:4, FA 22:5, FA 22:6 Resolution of Oleic Acid and Elaidic Acid	varies	varies
Very Short Chain Fatty Acids	Acetic Acid, Butyric Acid, and Propionic Acid (Analysis includes cost of derivatization)	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Metabolic Pathway Analyses
Glycine Degradation	Glycine, Creatinine, Creatine, Choline, Betaine, Ornithine, Glutathione, Methionine, Glutamine, Glutamate, Sarcosine, Serine	$50.00/sample	$77.63/sample
Glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis	Glucose, [Fructose 6-phosphate + Glucose 6-phosphate + Glucose 1-phosphate], [Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate + Glucose 1,6-bisphosphate], Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, Glycerate 3-phosphate + Glycerate 2-phosphate, Phosphoenolpyruvate, Pyruvate, Lactate	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Ketogenesis	Acetoacetyl-CoA, Acetoacetate, Beta-hydroxybutyrate, Acetyl-CoA, Cyclic AMP, Malonyl-CoA	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
One-Carbon Pathway	Methionine Cycle Homocysteine (Hyc), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), Methionine (Met), 5'-Methylthioadenosine (MTA), Choline, Betaine, Dimethylglycine	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
	Methionine Cycle + Transsulfuration Pathway Includes the above Methionine Cycle + the following: Cystathionine, Cysteine, Glutathione, Taurine, Glycine, Serine	$55.00/sample	$85.39/sample
	Full One-Carbon Pathway Includes the above Methionine Cycle+Transsulfuration Pathways and the recently added Folate Cycle: 10-formyl THF, 5-mTHF, 5,10-methenyl THF, 5,10-methylene THF, Deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate (dUMP), Dihydrofolate, 5' Thymidylic Acid (dTMP), Folic acid, Tetrahydrofolate (THF)	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Pathways of Purine and Pyrimidine	Purine Metabolism: Adenine, Adenosine, ADP, Allantoin, AMP, ATP, GDP, GMP, GTP, Guanine, Guanosine, Hypoxanthine, IMP, Inosine, Uric Acid, Xanthine Pyrimidine Metabolism: Alanine, Aspartic Acid, CDP, CMP, CTP, Cytidine, UDP, UMP, Uridine, UTP	$45.00/sample per run*	$69.86/sample per run*
Pentose Phosphate Pathway	[Xylulose 5-phosphate + Ribose 1-phosphate + Ribose 5-phosphate + Ribulose 5-phosphate], Sedoheptulose 7-phosphate, Erythrose 4-phosphate, [Fructose 6-phosphate + Glucose 6-phosphate + Glucose 1-phosphate], 6-phosphogluconate	$55.00/sample	$85.39/sample
TCA Cycle	Acetyl CoA, Citrate, cis-Aconitate, Itaconate, Isocitrate, α-Ketoglutarate, Succinyl-CoA, Succinate, Fumarate, Malate, Oxaloacetate	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Urea Cycle	Urea, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Argininosuccinate, Citrulline, Ornithine, Uric acid	$45.00/sample	$69.86/sample
Custom Targeted Metabolic Panels
Custom Metabolic Panel	The LMSR also provides consultation for the development of targeted LC-MS/MS methodologies for water-soluble metabolites/pathways not currently offered. (Cost varies based on the number of species, required internal standards, and relevant personnel/instrument time)	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Custom Small Panel Analysis	Custom panel of six analytes or less (e.g., Hydroxyproline, c-di-AMP)	$40.00/sample	$62.10/sample
Method Development	If analysis is needed for compounds not listed above, please contact us, as we may be able to develop an appropriate method to suit your needs.	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
Drugs & Drug Metabolites	The LMSR is available for consultation for the development of targeted LC-MS/MS methodologies specific to drug treatments/trials (The cost will vary based on extended analysis time)	$35.00/sample	$54.35/sample
Isotope Label / Metabolite Tracing	Understanding shifts in cell metabolism by following isotopic tracers through metabolic pathways. (The cost will vary based on extended analysis time)	$35.00/sample per run*	$54.35/sample per run*
Untargeted analysis
Untargeted Lipidomics	Instrument set-up	$150.00/set	$232.88/set
	Sample Prep & Run: Samples are extracted using a modified Bligh-Dyer or Bligh-Dyer depending on the sample type	$170.00/sample	$263.93/sample
	Data Processing & Analysis: Allows the relative quantitation of many lipid classes in a single run, which enables exploration of potential classes/species for targeted analysis.	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
Untargeted Metabolomics	Instrument Set-Up	$150.00/set	$232.88/set
	Sample Prep & Run: Samples are extracted using a Methanol Protein crash or Bligh-Dyer depending on the sample type	$170.00/sample	$263.93/sample
	Data Processing & Analysis: Allows the relative quantitation of many water-soluble classes in a single run, which enables exploration of potential classes/species for targeted analysis.	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
*Unassisted Use*
Instrument Time	Sciex QTRAP 5500: Certified users are granted access to scheduling time to run and analyze their samples on a per-hour basis.	$68.25/hour	$105.96/hour
Instrument Time	Sciex QTRAP 6500: Certified users are granted access to scheduling time to run and analyze their samples on a per-hour basis.	$68.25/hour	$105.96/hour
Agilent Seahorse Use	Analysis of Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis: The Agilent Seahorse XF platform measures the two main metabolic pathways, mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, for live cells in real-time, to provide functional kinetic measurements of cellular bioenergetics.	$100.00/plate	$155.25/plate
Training Session
Certified User Training	The LSMR has developed a certified user program to train students, post-doctoral candidates, and faculty in the usage of LC/MS/MS instrumentation and data analysis.	$143.25/hour	$222.40/hour
Additional services
Normalization	Total Lipid Phosphate Assay Staff extract and measure the phosphorylated lipids per sample to assist in the normalization of data post facto	$10.00/sample	$15.53/sample
Technician Time	Priced per hour work by LMSR staff	$75.00/hour	$116.45/hour
Consultation	LMSR faculty provide advice on mass spec issues involved in the design, conduct and analysis of research projects.	$0.00/hour	$0.00/hour

Location: The LMSR is located in Sanger Hall 2-012 and 2-006 with additional space and freezers in 2-010. Standard operating hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Certified users have access to the facility 24/7.

Equipment: The facility is built around two tandem triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometers and a Thermoscientific Q Exactive HF OrbiTrap. Each mass spectrometer has its own autosampler, nitrogen generator, LC system, and computer control and data acquisition in ~1200 sq ft of two adjacent, newly renovated, RFID-controlled lab spaces. This space contains all of the necessary equipment for sample storage and lipid extraction, including a Spex liquid nitrogen freezer mill for tissue homogenization.

SCIEX 5500 QTrap: The 5500 quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer has been used for the development of LC-MS/MS methodologies which allow the analysis of 60-80 lipids per run for glycerophospholipids, eicosanoids, and sphingolipids with suitable transitions to account for a wide range of acyl change combinations. The sensitivity of the 5500 has allowed for the quantitation of lipids bound to immunoprecipitated proteins for publications in both Science and Nature.
SCIEX 6500 QTrap: Coupled with a quaternary pump Shimadzu Nexera UHPLC system, the Sciex 6500 quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer has the highest sensitivity of the instruments in our core. The 6500 enables quantitation low-abundant lipid species as well as a wide array of water-soluble metabolites.
Thermo-Fisher Q-Exactive HF: The Q-Exactive is designed for high-resolution, accurate mass, systems-level lipidomics and metabolomics analysis. This industry-leading hardware is integrated with next-generation data analysis capability to interrogate two extensive and comprehensive product ion spectra “fingerprint” databases. One, the “lipidsearch”, for identification and semi-quantitative analysis of over 8000 lipid species, will significantly build on our primary historical strength, which is lipidomics, and also extend the scope of our capabilities in this area by 2 orders of magnitude greater sensitivity, providing a more thorough analytic capability for our lipid samples. Second, and most new, is the “compound discoverer” database, which will allow identification and semi-quantitative analysis of small, water-soluble metabolic intermediates, such as those of relevance to microbiome research and cancer cell metabolism.
Agilent Seahorse XF: This instrument measures oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). OCR is an indicator of mitochondrial respiration, and ECAR is largely the result of glycolysis.

The LMSR provides several opportunities for new and returning users to gain a better understanding of the mass spectrometry work behind lipidomics and metabolomics.

Certified user program: The LSMR has developed a certified user program to train students, post-doctoral candidates, and faculty in the usage of LC/MS/MS instrumentation and data analysis. Certified users are granted access to scheduling time to run and analyze their own samples on a per hour basis.
LMSR faculty provide advice on mass spec issues involved in the design, conduct and analysis of research projects.

Examples include:

Selecting between and identifying appropriate extraction procedures,
Method development, and
Helping to achieve appropriate interpretations of results from lipidomics and metabolomics analyses.

Metabolomics Working Group: The LMSR has also partnered with Massey’s Metabolomics Working Group to provide further educational opportunities centered around metabolomics and mass spectrometry. Any individuals interested in studying metabolism or using metabolomics are invited to participate.

This group hosts monthly presentations on projects across a broad range of research areas that incorporate studies of cell metabolism. Projects presented utilize various mass spectrometry-based techniques including untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics, metabolite tracing and targeted approaches to study various biochemical pathways including metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides. Critical aspects of metabolism including one-carbon pool, redox and mitochondrial energy production are also investigated.

Explore upcoming LMSR training and educational events in the related classes & events section below.

The Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource (LMSR) provides highly sensitive and specific analyses of lipids and small-metabolites for investigators at VCU and the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The LMSR facilities enable the qualitative and quantitative investigation of the lipidome in both in vitro and in vivo studies involving cell lines, animal models, and/or human samples. This is accomplished using an advanced instrumentation suite that is nationally competitive amongst lipidomic facilities. Specifically, the LMSR maintains 4 advanced quadrupole linear ion trap (QTrap) mass spectrometers, each equipped with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system.

The core also utilizes a Thermoscientific Q Exactive HF OrbiTrap coupled to a UHPLC for untargeted lipidomics and metabolomics with 240,000 resolution. This equipment enables highly sensitive and specific identification and/or quantification of changes to both lipids and water-soluble metabolites in a high-throughput fashion and over a large dynamic range. Lipid classes analyzed include- but are not limited to- glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols. Targeted analyses of water-soluble species include metabolites, grouped either by similar structure or metabolic pathway. The LMSR also provides custom analyses including isotopic labeling/metabolite tracing upon consultation. Untargeted analyses provide data from a database of over 8000 lipids and more than 20,000 water-soluble metabolites.

The resource is directed by L. Ashley Cowart, PhD, who is supported by the operational director, Jeremy Allegood, PhD, the metabolomics specialist, Yang Yue, PhD, the analytical chemist, Lindsay Sandusky, and the lab manager, Megan Scalzo. Drs. Allegood, Cowart, and Yue provide consultative services for experimental design and data interpretation and assist with novel method development. The LMSR is a jointly-managed (Massey and VCU) resource located in Sanger Hall and within close walking distance of Massey. Standard hours for the facility are 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The usage of services and equipment is tracked and charged back. The LMSR adds significant value to VCU and Massey research by providing services that otherwise would not be practically obtainable or would be cost-prohibitive through alternative vendors or even other non-profit institutions. Overall, the instrumentation and expertise available in the LMSR have facilitated the development of a growing user base of VCU faculty and Massey members, as well as investigators from other institutions whose research routinely garners peer-reviewed national funding and generates publications in high-impact scientific journals.

Major instrumentation:

Sciex 5500 QTrap: Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap used for most of LMSR’s quantitative lipid methods. Allows for 100 fmol or lower LoQ for sphingolipids, eicosanoids, glycerophospholipids, steroids, and lysophospholipids. Allows analysis of samples that range from lipid bound to protein pulldowns to cells/tissues/fluids.
Sciex 6500 QTrap: Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap used for LMSR’s quantitative lipid methods that require more sensitivity in negative mode or of higher m/z values. Beneficial for cardiolipins, sulfatides, ganglioside species, and some glycerophospholipids.
Thermoscientific Q Exactive HF OrbiTrap: The OrbiTrap allows identification and relative quantitation of over 8000 lipid species and more than 20000 water-soluble metabolites. Utilizing the OrbiTrap’s 240,000 resolution allows significantly increased confidence in qualitative data.

General contact information

For general inquiries or service requests, please contact us at lmsr@vcu.edu.

L. Ashley Cowart, Ph.D
Scientific and executive director
Professor and Interim Chair, Cellular, Molecular and Genetic Medicine
(804) 827-7910
lauren.cowart@vcuhealth.org

Jeremy Allegood, Ph.D.
Operational director/manager
Assistant Professor, Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine
(804) 827-9909
jeremy.allegood@vcuhealth.org

Yang Yue, Ph.D.
Metabolomics specialist
yuey3@vcu.edu

Lindsay Sandusky
Analytical chemist
sanduskyl@vcu.edu

Megan Scalzo
Laboratory manager
(804) 628-4516
scalzomt@vcu.edu

Acknowledge the Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource

All publications that include results, services or products generated by the Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource must include the following acknowledgement in the manuscript:

"Services and products in support of the research project were generated by the Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, supported, in part, with funding from NIH-NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016059."

PubMed Central (PMC) ID numbers are required for those publications that use CCSG-supported shared resources. Information to assist you with this process can be found here.

Related Classes & Events

Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation This Shared Resource is jointly supported by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

Lipidomics and Metabolomics

About the Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource

Service

Analyte Classes/Description

VCU Price

External Academic Pricing

Targeted Analysis

Untargeted analysis

Training Session

Additional services