Drake Lab

The Drake Lab investigates molecular mechanisms monitoring cellular energy shifts due to exercise, fasting, and aging, with a focus on skeletal muscle's role in functional independence and systemic metabolism.

We are interested in the molecular mechanisms responsible for monitoring changes in cellular energy, such as the energetic stress imposed by exercise or fasting, and how these mechanisms change with age. We are particularly interested in energetic sensing within skeletal muscle as it is essential for functional independence and how these mechanisms maintain systemic metabolism.

Laboratory Equipment

Major Equipment

• Leica TCS SP8 MP Multiphoton / Confocal Microscope
• 1 Beckman-Coulter Allegro X-30R Temperature Controlled Centrifuge
• 1 AM Systems Isolated High-Power Stimulator
• 2 Eppendorf 5425 Benchtop Centrifuge
• VWR Rocking Platform
• 5 Bio-Rad Power Pac Universal
• 5 Bio-Rad Mini-Protein Tetra Systems
• 2 DNA Electrophoresis Systems
• Ohaus AX1502 1500g scale
• Ohaus EX124 120g scale
• 2 Benchmark Scientific Hotplate Stirrer
• Benchmark Scientific 4L water bath
• Fisher Scientific Heat Block
• Tissue Homogenizer
• Genessee Scientific Mini-Centrifuge
• Kenmore Microwave
• 4C Refrigerators (2)
• -20C Freezer
• -80C Freezer

Major Shared Equipment (Integrated Life Sciences Building)

Basic Laboratory Equipment

• Autoclave
• Glassware Washer
• Cold Rooms
• CO2 Incubators
• Lab air, gas, vacuum
• Centrifuges – High and Ultra Speed (90k)
• Freezers (-20C, -80C, Liquid Nitrogen)
• Shaking Incubation
• Radioisotope Counters
• Milli-Q Integral 15 water purification system

Scientific Equipment

• LI-COR Odyssey CLx Imaging System
• 3 Oroborus Oxygraph O2Ks (pictured)
• 2 Agilent Seahorse XFe96 Analyzers

Major Core Equipment

• Metabolism Core: Oroborus Oxygraph O2Ks (n=3, n=1 with ROS detector), Agilent Seahorse XFe96 Analyzers (n=2), LabMaster metabolic and behavioral monitoring System, and Glucose monitors.
• Physical Activity Core: CLAM Systems -Series treadmills (n=2) and Running wheel equipped cages (n=32) connected to LabView software.

Certifications and Approvals

Dr. Drake’s laboratory is certified for using recombinant DNA and BSL1 agents through Virginia Tech’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. All laboratory personnel have received the appropriate training to work with biological and chemical materials and have also completed Virginia Tech’s Responsible Conduct in Research and NIH Conflict of Interest training. Finally, all protocols involving mice have received IACUC approval from Virginia Tech. The Drake lab has capacity to conduct in vitro and animal studies under GLP and currently has active NIH-sponsored studies ongoing.

Principal Investigator