The Histomorphometry and Molecular Analysis Core Laboratory of the UAB CCBSR provides individualCenter investigators access to routine and advanced technical preparations including morphologicalanalysis of cell, tissue, and organ preparations that are too complex for individual projects to supportefficiently. The Core provides, at no cost to Pilot and Feasibility study investigators, diagnostic lightmicroscopic evaluation, epifluorescent microscopy of undecalcified sections, and immunocytochemicalinterpretation of animal and human material. In addition, technologically advanced expert assistance in abroad 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 astransmission electron microscopy and image analysis/morphometry, usually available only for humanpathology as a fee-for-service. Facilities available include histology (special stains, frozen, paraffin- andplastic-embedded sections), immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Importantly, this Core also has thecapacity to detect and quantitate vector sequences and specific endogenous gene products within tissuesas well as serve as a platform for microdissection for the analysis of cells. The Core centrally purchasessupplies, resulting in a substantial economy of scale. Core services include quality control and writtenreports for tests performed. A key advantage of the Core design is that it enables unified characterizationand dissemination of a shared set of histomorphometric standards. This activity thus provides investigatorswith immediate access to defined and quality assured data for their respective studies, as well as allowingcomparison of results between investigators with assurance that technical preparatory conditions are notresponsible for observed differences. Furthermore, centrally performed procedures free investigators fromduplication of basic work, allowing more production with the available resources and acceleration ofexperimental 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, includingdiscussion of the advantages, limitations, and interpretation of each approach. It has supported a total of151 projects resulting in 45 publications. All of the Pilot and Feasibility Project Investigators made use ofthe 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 genetherapy. This core works in close collaboration with the other CCBSR cores and several investigatorsmake use of all three cores in their ongoing studies.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 138 publications
