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Updated: Jun 3, 2025

An Optimized Protocol to Analyze Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Respiration in Lymphocytes
Published on: November 21, 2016
Live-cell metabolic analyzer protocol for measuring glucose and lactate metabolic changes in human cells
Kenji Miki1, Mikako Yagi2, Ko Igami3
1Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
This study introduces a method using the live-cell metabolic analyzer (LiCellMo) to track cellular glucose consumption and lactate production. This real-time measurement aids in understanding metabolic conditions vital for cancer and regenerative medicine advancements.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Glycolysis dependence is a key metabolic hallmark in cancer and is increasingly recognized in regenerative medicine.
- Accurate, real-time measurement of cellular metabolic flux is essential for understanding these conditions.
- Current methods may not capture the dynamic, continuous changes in glycolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail a protocol for measuring continuous changes in glucose consumption and lactate production in human cells.
- To demonstrate the utility of the live-cell metabolic analyzer (LiCellMo) for real-time metabolic analysis.
- To provide a tool for advancing research in cancer and regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the live-cell metabolic analyzer (LiCellMo) for continuous monitoring.
- Measured glucose consumption and lactate production in cultured human cells.
- Collected real-time data on metabolic pathway activity.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured real-time, continuous changes in cellular glucose uptake.
- Quantified real-time lactate production, reflecting glycolytic flux.
- Demonstrated LiCellMo's capability for dynamic metabolic profiling.
Conclusions:
- The LiCellMo protocol offers a robust method for real-time metabolic analysis.
- This technique enhances the understanding of glycolysis dependence in cellular processes.
- The findings support the development of novel cancer and regenerative therapies.

