Musculoskeletal Histology and Morphometry Core

通过利用组织学方法对动物模型的评估导致对细胞和组织学的了解。 分子水平。然而，由于以下原因，肌肉骨骼系统组织的分析在技术上具有挑战性 所涉及的组织的性质，这需要专门的包埋方法和解剖学 知识，以获得必要的切片，并使用多种染色技术，以可视化各种 基质和细胞成分。2009年，我们建立了肌肉骨骼组织学和形态测量学核心 为我们的研究社区提供全面的技术和咨询服务，以优化和 最大限度地利用他们的肌肉骨骼生物学和疾病的动物模型，包括骨骼， 软骨、肌腱、椎间盘和肌肉。自成立以来，我们已为88个独特的 研究人员在192份手稿中报告了组织学数据，这些手稿被引用了3266次（见 附件二. C和生物图谱）。此外，我们还举办研讨会/讲习班，并在网上开发 资源，以促进肌肉骨骼组织学的适当定性和定量评估， 促进最佳做法，以支持严谨性和可重复性。我们已经适应了我们的研究需求 社区通过实施非脱钙冷冻切片/胶带转移方法，通常与 谱系追踪小鼠模型，最近（2017年底）获得了徕卡共聚焦显微镜系统， 下游分析。我们还与詹姆斯菲茨帕特里克博士在 华盛顿大学细胞成像中心（WUCCI）利用其他尖端技术 显微镜技术。我们目前正在实施新的技术， 分析肌肉，形成一个新的合作与博士格雷琴迈耶，一个年轻的教员带来了这一点， 专业知识进入我们的中心。展望未来，我们的目标是维持和扩展核心的这些组成部分， 目标：1）提供高质量，高效的组织学服务，涵盖所需的各种技术， 肌肉骨骼研究; 2）支持有助于研究的严格和可重复的方法 具有高度影响力的建议和出版物; 3）提供培训和充实机会（与 T32骨骼障碍培训方案）; 4）根据需要加强和调整核心服务 我们的研究社区; 5）促进研究的现有和新成员之间的互动 通过分享组织学和显微镜的技术和方法建立社区。我们有两个目标： 目标1。组织学服务：执行处理、包埋、切片和染色，沿着维护 为用户提供协议和有针对性的培训，用于肌肉骨骼所需的组织和技术范围 research.目标2.组织学成像和分析资源：Core将维护并提供培训 用于Leica共聚焦显微镜和BioQuant Osteo组织形态测量软件，以及集成 与WUCCI的房子几个光和电子显微镜。

Evaluation of animal models through utilization of histological approaches leads to insights at the cellular and molecular levels. However, analysis of tissues in the musculoskeletal system is technically challenging due to the nature of the tissues involved, which requires specialized embedding approaches and anatomical knowledge to obtain the necessary sections, and the use of multiple staining techniques to visualize various matrix and cellular components. In 2009, we established the Musculoskeletal Histology and Morphometry Core to provide comprehensive technical and consultative services for our Research Community to optimize and take greatest advantage of their animal models for musculoskeletal biology and disease, including bone, cartilage, tendon, disc, and muscle. Since our inception, we have provided billable services for 88 unique investigators who have reported histological data in 192 manuscripts, which have been cited 3266 times (see Exhibit II.C and Bibiolography). In addition, we have presented seminars/workshops and developed online resources to promote appropriate qualitative and quantitative assessment of musculoskeletal histology and promote best practices, to support rigor and reproducibility. We have adapted to the needs of our Research Community by implementing non-decalcified frozen sections/tape transfer methods, commonly used with lineage tracing mouse models, and recently (in late 2017) acquiring a Leica confocal microscope system to aid in downstream analysis. We have also formed a collaborative interaction with Dr. James Fitzpatrick in the Washingotn University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI) to take advantage of other cutting-edge microscopic techniques available on campus. We are currently implementing new techniques for histologic analysis of muscle, forming a new collaboration with Dr. Gretchen Meyer, a junior faculty member bringing this expertise into our Center. Going forward, we aim to sustain and extend these components of the Core with 5 objectives: 1) provide high quality, efficient histology services across the range of techniques required for musculoskeletal research; 2) support rigorous and reproducible approaches that contribute to research proposals and publications with high impact; 3) provide training and enrichment opportunities (in concert with the T32 Skeletal Disorders Training Program); 4) enhance and adapt Core services in response to the needs of our Research Community; 5) foster interactions among existing and new members of the Research Community through sharing of techniques and approaches for histology and microscopy. We have 2 Aims: Aim 1. Histology services: Perform processing, embedding, sectioning and staining, along with maintenance of protocols and targeted training for users, for the range of tissues and techniques required in musculoskeletal research. Aim 2. Resources for Histological Imaging and Analysis: Core will maintain and provide training for use of Leica Confocal microscope and BioQuant Osteo Histomorphometry software, as well as integration with the WUCCI which houses several light and electron microscopes.