The Histomorphometry and Molecular Analysis Core Laboratory of the UAB CCBSR provides individual Center investigators access to routine and advanced technical preparations including morphological analysis of cell, tissue, and organ preparations that are too complex for individual projects to support efficiently. The Core provides, at no cost to Pilot and Feasibility study investigators, diagnostic light microscopic evaluation, epifluorescent microscopy of undecalcified sections, and immunocytochemical interpretation of animal and human material. In addition, technologically advanced expert assistance in a broad range of methods, including quantitative RT-PCR and tissue in-situ hybridization are available. Investigators utilizing animal necropsies also have access to sophisticated techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy and image analysis/morphometry, usually available only for human pathology as a fee-for-service. Facilities available include histology (special stains, frozen, paraffin- and plastic-embedded sections), immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Importantly, this Core also has the capacity to detect and quantitate vector sequences and specific endogenous gene products within tissues as well as serve as a platform for microdissection for the analysis of cells. The Core centrally purchases supplies, resulting in a substantial economy of scale. Core services include quality control and written reports for tests performed. A key advantage of the Core design is that it enables unified characterization and dissemination of a shared set of histomorphometric standards. This activity thus provides investigators with immediate access to defined and quality assured data for their respective studies, as well as allowing comparison of results between investigators with assurance that technical preparatory conditions are not responsible for observed differences. Furthermore, centrally performed procedures free investigators from duplication of basic work, allowing more production with the available resources and acceleration of experimental timetables. During the first 4 years of the Core's existence the Core Laboratory has acquired $150,000 in new instrumentation, generated new technical services such as in situ hybridization on bone. In addition to making available a wide array of techniques, the Core provides extensive education, including discussion of the advantages, limitations, and interpretation of each approach. It has supported a total of 151 projects resulting in 45 publications. All of the Pilot and Feasibility Project Investigators made use of the Core. It has enhanced the productivity of the CCBSR investigators and contributed to innovative, interdisciplinary basic bone biology research most especially in the fields of implant biology and gene therapy. This core works in close collaboration with the other CCBSR cores and several investigators make use of all three cores in their ongoing studies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Center Core Grants (P30)
Project #
5P30AR046031-10
Application #
8077414
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAR1)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2010-06-01
Budget End
2011-05-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$177,954
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Type
DUNS #
063690705
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Chen, Wei; Zhu, Guochun; Tang, Jun et al. (2018) C/ebp? controls osteoclast terminal differentiation, activation, function, and postnatal bone homeostasis through direct regulation of Nfatc1. J Pathol 244:271-282
Chen, Wei; Zhu, Guochun; Jules, Joel et al. (2018) Monocyte-Specific Knockout of C/ebp? Results in Osteopetrosis Phenotype, Blocks Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice, and Reveals an Important Function of C/ebp? in Osteoclast Differentiation and Function. J Bone Miner Res 33:691-703
Jules, Joel; Chen, Wei; Feng, Xu et al. (2018) C/EBP? transcription factor is regulated by the RANK cytoplasmic 535IVVY538 motif and stimulates osteoclastogenesis more strongly than c-Fos. J Biol Chem 293:1480-1492
Wu, Mengrui; Wang, Yiping; Shao, Jian-Zhong et al. (2017) Cbf? governs osteoblast-adipocyte lineage commitment through enhancing ?-catenin signaling and suppressing adipogenesis gene expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114:10119-10124
Cai, Xiaofeng; Xing, Junjie; Long, Courtney L et al. (2017) DOK3 Modulates Bone Remodeling by Negatively Regulating Osteoclastogenesis and Positively Regulating Osteoblastogenesis. J Bone Miner Res 32:2207-2218
Jules, Joel; Chen, Wei; Feng, Xu et al. (2016) CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein ? (C/EBP?) Is Important for Osteoclast Differentiation and Activity. J Biol Chem 291:16390-403
Levy, Seth; Feduska, Joseph M; Sawant, Anandi et al. (2016) Immature myeloid cells are critical for enhancing bone fracture healing through angiogenic cascade. Bone 93:113-124
Higgs, Jerome T; Jarboe, John S; Lee, Joo Hyoung et al. (2015) Variants of Osteoprotegerin Lacking TRAIL Binding for Therapeutic Bone Remodeling in Osteolytic Malignancies. Mol Cancer Res 13:819-27
Li, Sheng; Hao, Liang; Wang, Lin et al. (2015) Targeting Atp6v1c1 Prevents Inflammation and Bone Erosion Caused by Periodontitis and Reveals Its Critical Function in Osteoimmunology. PLoS One 10:e0134903
Deshane, Jessy S; Redden, David T; Zeng, Meiqin et al. (2015) Subsets of airway myeloid-derived regulatory cells distinguish mild asthma from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 135:413-424.e15

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