Analysis of Thermogenesis Experiments with CalR
Marissa D Cortopassi1, Deepti Ramachandran1, William B Rubio1
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|February 15, 2022
Summary
This study introduces CalR, a free software tool that simplifies the analysis of complex indirect calorimetry data. CalR standardizes data handling and statistical methods for reproducible research on thermogenesis and body weight regulation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Metabolic Research
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Indirect calorimetry systems generate large datasets on energy intake and expenditure.
- Manual data processing for these systems is time-consuming and requires specialized statistical knowledge.
- Accurate analysis is crucial for understanding factors affecting metabolic rates and body weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce CalR, a software package for analyzing indirect calorimetry data.
- To provide standardized and reproducible methods for thermogenesis research.
- To facilitate the analysis of physiological data impacting body weight.
Main Methods:
- Description of CalR software (version 1.2) with a graphical user interface.
- Utilizing CalR to analyze indirect calorimetry data from mouse models of thermogenesis (cold exposure, adrenergic agonism, hyperthyroidism).
- Demonstrating data import from common indirect calorimetry systems (CLAMS, Promethion, PhenoMaster).
Main Results:
- CalR enables quick visualization and basic statistical analysis of experimental results.
- The software standardizes data structures and analysis pipelines.
- Provides reusable and reproducible methods for physiological data analysis.
Conclusions:
- CalR offers an accessible solution for researchers working with indirect calorimetry data.
- The software promotes reproducible research in thermogenesis and metabolic studies.
- Standardized analysis with CalR aids in understanding body weight regulation.
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