Overview
As a UCSF Collaborative Laboratory (CoLab) Plug-in, the Quantitative Metabolite Analysis Center (QMAC) is a full-service metabolomics facility housed at the Parnassus campus, equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometers for targeted and untargeted metabolomics. This small-molecule analysis platform will enable the development of frameworks for predicting disease, distinguishing disease phenotypes, deciphering biochemical mechanisms of health and disease, and the discovery of new drugs and drug targets.
Instrumentation includes two hybrid triple quadrupole – linear ion trap mass spectrometers, a SCIEX 6500 QTRAP and a SCIEX 7500 QTRAP, ideally suited for high throughput quantification and metabolite identification. Additionally, a hybrid triple-quadrupole time-of-flight platform, SCIEX TripleTOF 6600+ is available for high-resolution accurate mass and tandem mass spectrometry, optimized for qualitative exploration and high-resolution experimentation.
The laboratory space is equipped for sample preparation and chemical extractions with access to chemical storage facilities, chemical fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, cell culture hoods and incubators, with a renovated laboratory space anticipated for Summer 2021. Staff-operated services available include sample preparation, sample extractions, LCMS operation and method development, and data analysis. We also offer consultation and training opportunities in metabolomics workflow design and data analysis.
Custom Panels
We are continuously developing custom panels to serve our investigators. Below is a list of panels we've developed to date.
Branched chain amino acids
Phenylalanine metabolites
Cardenolides
Midazolam
Methotrexate and metabolic derivatives
Sulfasalazine and metabolic derivatives
5-Fluorouracil and metabolic derivatives
Lipids
- 12,13-Dihome
- S-Geranylgeranyl-L-glutathione
- Sphingolipids
- Ceramides
Tryptophan metabolism
- Kynurenine pathway
- Decarboxylation pathway
- IAA pathway
- Hydroxylation pathway
- Gut bacterial metabolites (ILA, IPA, IALD)
Radiation response (brain tumor therapy)
- 2-hydroxyglutamic acid
- Riboflavin
- Gamma amino butyric acid
- Succinic Acid
Microbial Derived Metabolites
Pricing Structure
Below is a summary of our approved recharge rates, effective July 1, 2023.
| Services: | Units: | Internal Rates: | External Rates: | External For Profit Rates: |
| Metabolite extraction | per sample | $55.49 | $69.92 | $76.91 |
| Untargeted | per sample | $109.29 | $137.71 | $151.48 |
| Targeted | per sample | $57.01 | $71.83 | $79.02 |
| Lipidomics Targeted | per sample | $67.65 | $85.23 | $93.76 |
| QMAC Staff Hourly Rate, Targeted | per hour | $179.07 | $225.63 | $248.19 |
| QMAC Staff Hourly Rate, Lipidomics Targeted | per hour | $206.67 | $206.40 | $286.44 |
| Trained User Hourly Rate, Targeted | per hour | $137.91 | $173.76 | NA |
| Trained User Hourly Rate, Lipidomics Targeted | per hour | $191.08 | $240.77 | NA |
| Run Only Hourly Rate, Targeted | per hour | $86.86 | $109.44 | NA |
| Run Only Hourly Rate, Lipidomics Targeted | per hour | $127.63 | $160.81 | NA |
| Analysis (hours) | per hour | $141.59 | $178.40 | $196.25 |
| Tech prep time (hours) | per hour | $58.67 | $73.92 | $81.31 |
| Consultations/Experimental design/Training (hours) | per hour | $172.16 | $216.92 | $238.61 |
| Special Consumables | each | $105.02 | $132.33 | $145.56 |
Note: The pricing listed above is our current pricing. However, pricing is adjusted semi-annually and is not guaranteed. For projects that will be processed >3 months from the time of quote generation, we suggest that you add a 10-15% pricing buffer to account for increasing service costs. Actual pricing will be determined at the time the work will be completed by the facility.
Next Steps
To discuss new or ongoing projects, submit a Request Project Support form on iLab and schedule a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Darren Dumlao, Assistant Director. Please note that consultations are charged via an hourly rate.
Ready to get started? Submit a request on iLab.
Meet our team
Darren Dumlao, PhD
Assistant Director
Alex Campbell
Staff Research Associate
Jacob Brokert
Staff Research Associate
Leadership
Funding
