The Jackson Laboratory

Metabolic Research Models & Preclinical Services

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has over 80 years of expertise in metabolic research. We maintain the world's largest collection of clinically relevant mouse models for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Our standard and customized in vivo preclinical research services support a range of research needs from disease mechanism studies to therapeutic target validation and efficacy testing. From early-stage therapies to novel biological insights, JAX's models, research services, and expertise can help you generate translational data to drive discovery and therapeutic advancement.

With our advanced phenotyping capabilities and deep scientific expertise, JAX empowers researchers to advance metabolic research and breakthroughs in diabetes, obesity, and related disorders.

Our Expertise

  • Study Design & Consultation: Customized in vivo metabolic studies specifically designed to support GLP-1 research and other metabolic research, including GLP-1 testing for preclinical validation.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Advanced metabolic phenotyping platforms that ensure precise and reproducible data.
  • Mouse Models of Obesity/Diabetes: Access a diverse portfolio of monogenic (db/db, ob/ob), diet-induced obesity model (DIO), and polygenic models (KKAy, NZO), that recapitulate various clinical aspects of human obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistant conditions.

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Metabolic Models & Preclinical Services Platform at The Jackson Laboratory

Metabolic Assays & Services

JAX provides comprehensive in vivo metabolic phenotyping services to support preclinical drug discovery and translational research.

In Vivo Pharmacology

Chronic and acute dosing studies to assess drug efficacy in mouse models of metabolic disease, with clearly defined control groups and assessments of side effects.

Advanced Technology Platforms

  • Sable Promethion System
  • EchoMRI
  • DEXA
  • micro-CT Technology

β-Cell Proliferation Analysis

Examination of pancreatic tissue through histological analysis (H&E), including:

  • Insulin/glucagon Staining
  • Ki67 immunostaining to assess β-cell proliferation

Body Composition Analysis

Comprehensive body composition analysis, including:

  • Fat Mass
  • Lean Mass
  • Bone Mineral Density

Clinical Chemistry

  • Lipid Profile
  • Metabolic Biomarkers
    • Insulin
    • Glucagon
    • C-peptide
    • Leptin
    • Adiponectin
  • Liver
  • Kidney Panel

Metabolic Tolerance Test

Assessment of:

  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Glucose Tolerance Tests (GTT)
  • Insulin Sensitivity (ITT)
  • Mixed Meal Tolerance Test
  • Body Temperature
  • Treadmill Test
  • Hyperglycemic Clamps

Energy Expenditure Analysis

Metabolic assessment through indirect calorimetry, including:

  • Oxygen Consumption (O₂)
  • Carbon Dioxide Production (CO₂)
  • Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)
  • Food Intake
  • Locomotor Activity
  • Energy Expenditure using the Sable Promethion System

Metabolic Preclinical Studies with JAX

JAX Preclinical Services are managed by experienced study directors and staff dedicated to helping you obtain the critical data needed for your research. See the sample study below—custom studies are also available. For more details and additional examples, click to see more Metabolic research data.

See More Metabolic Data

Body weight trajectories (g) during treatment and post-withdrawal. Vehicle-treated mice maintained stable weight, while Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduced body weight by ~7% and ~30%, respectively. Upon withdrawal, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide groups regained ~5% and ~20% of body weight.

Body weight trajectories during treatment and post-withdrawal. Vehicle-treated mice maintained stable weight, while Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduced body weight by ~7% and ~30%, respectively. Upon withdrawal, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide groups regained ~5% and ~20% of body weight.

JAX Example Metabolic Study Design

Fat mass (g) after 4 weeks of treatment. Semaglutide reduced fat mass by 16%, while Tirzepatide induced a 62% reduction.

Fat content after 4 weeks of treatment. Semaglutide reduced fat mass by 16%, while Tirzepatide induced a 62% reduction.

In vivo 3D microCT imaging of adipose and lean tissue (Quantum GX, PerkinElmer) after 4 weeks of treatment. Adipose depots were segmented based on density and outlined manually using ImageJ. Subcutaneous fat is shown in green, visceral fat in red, and lean mass in blue. Both treatments reduced subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. All data are presented as mean ± SEM, n = 8-9 per group.

In vivo 3D microCT imaging of adipose and lean tissue (Quantum GX, PerkinElmer) after 4 weeks of treatment. Adipose depots were segmented based on density and outlined manually using Image J. Subcutaneous fat is shown in green, visceral fat in red, and lean mass in blue. Both treatments reduced subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. n = 8-9 per group.

Lean mass changes (grams). Lean mass increased by 2.5% in Vehicle controls, but declined by 1% and 7.8% with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, respectively.

Lean mass changes (grams). Lean mass increased by 2.5% in Vehicle controls, but declined by 1% and 7.8% with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, respectively.

Discover More

Comparing Mouse Models for Metabolic Disease: Diabetes, Obesity, and MASH

With so many models available, choosing the most appropriate mouse model for your metabolic study can be challenging. During this webinar, we discuss the strengths and limitations of popular mouse models of human type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Watch the Video

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JAX Resources - Comparing Mouse Models for Metabolic Disease: Diabetes, Obesity, and MASH

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