The Stable Isotope Research Centre (SIRC)
SIRC is a joint initiative of NUTRIM and Maastricht UMC+, offering expertise and infrastructure for metabolic research. SIRC supports researchers in applying stable isotope methodologies to nutritional, physiological, and clinical studies. By combining advanced analytics with expert guidance, SIRC helps researchers uncover mechanisms of disease, evaluate interventions, and accelerate the development of targeted therapies. The SIRC is equipped with 3 Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and 2 Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-IRMS) units.
Stable isotope tracers
Using stable isotope tracers labeled with 2H, 13C, and 15N-atoms, SIRC enables precise, in vivo quantification of metabolic processes, including substrate oxidation and pathway fluxes. These techniques provide powerful insights into human metabolism across a wide range of populations—from healthy individuals and elite athletes to patients with metabolic and chronic diseases.
The use of stable isotope tracers empowers researchers to:
- Uncover precise, mechanistic insights into metabolic adaptations linked to aging, inactivity, and disease.
- Drive the development of targeted therapies and effective rehabilitation strategies.
- Accurately quantify the impact of nutritional interventions, pharmacological treatments, and other therapies on key metabolic pathway.