Musculoskeletal Histology and Morphometry Core

通过利用组织学方法对动物模型进行评估，在细胞和 分子水平。然而，肌肉骨骼系统中的组织分析在技术上是具有挑战性的，因为 所涉及的组织的性质，这需要专门的包埋方法和解剖学 获得所需切片的知识，并使用多种染色技术来可视化各种 矩阵和蜂窝组件。2009年，我们建立了肌肉骨骼组织学和形态计量学核心 为我们的研究界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动物模型研究肌肉骨骼生物学和疾病，包括骨骼， 软骨、肌腱、关节盘和肌肉。自成立以来，我们已经为88个独特的客户提供了收费服务 研究人员报告了192篇被引用3266次的手稿的组织学数据(见 证据二.C和生物学)。此外，我们还举办了研讨会/研讨会，并在网上开发了 促进适当的肌肉骨骼组织学定性和定量评估的资源 推广最佳做法，以支持严密性和可重复性。我们已经适应了我们研究的需要 通过实施非脱钙冰冻切片/磁带传输方法，通常用于 血统追踪小鼠模型，最近(2017年底)收购了徕卡共聚焦显微镜系统以帮助 在下游分析中。我们还与詹姆斯·菲茨帕特里克博士在 沃辛贡大学细胞成像中心(WUCCI)利用其他尖端技术 在校园里可以使用的显微技术。我们目前正在实施新的组织学技术 肌肉分析，与Gretchen Meyer博士形成了一个新的合作，他是一名初级教员，带来了 将专业知识引入我们的中心。展望未来，我们的目标是在5个版本中维护和扩展这些核心组件 目标：1)通过所需的各种技术提供高质量、高效的组织学服务 肌肉骨骼研究；2)支持有助于研究的严谨和可重复的方法 具有重大影响的提案和出版物；3)提供培训和丰富机会(与 T32骨骼疾病培训计划)；4)根据需求增强和调整核心服务 5)促进研究现有成员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，促进社区的发展。我们有两个目标： 目标1.组织学服务：进行加工、包埋、切片和染色，以及维护 针对肌肉骨骼所需的各种组织和技术，为用户制定方案和进行有针对性的培训 研究。目标2.组织成像和分析资源：CORE将维持和提供培训 使用徕卡共焦显微镜和BioQuant Osteo组织形态测量软件，以及集成 WUCCI拥有几个光学和电子显微镜。

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.