The Histology and Histomorphometry Core provides inhouse expertise, techniques, equipment and technical innovation to facilitate Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health investigators from vastly different subspecialties to use histological approaches in order to assess tissue/cell level mechanisms in their developmental/physiological/disease models. The core facilitates histological and histomorphometric analyses of bone, muscle, cartilage, ligament, tendon and intervertebral disk. The core also provides consultation on study design and post-study data interpretation and provide training programs and education in all techniques covered by the core.
The Histology and Histomorphometry Core offers services in the following areas:
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Histological processing and quantitative analysis of musculoskeletal tissues:
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Histological preparations and outcome-specific staining techniques for bone, muscle, cartilage, ligament, tendon and intervertebral disk
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Undecalcified/decalcified hard tissues, frozen section, immunohistochemistry and special staining
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Analytical support for histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry assessments
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Integration with the Systems Biology & Muti-Omics Core (SBMOC) to support spatial transcriptomics of musculoskeletal tissues
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Consistency and comparability of measurement modalities across studies
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Quality control standards for technical procedures
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Coordinated guidance on selection and quality management of appropriate preclinical and clinical assessments
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Centralized assessment of outcomes
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Consultation on study design and post-study data interpretation
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Training and education in histological analysis
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Annual training sessions for faculty, fellows and graduate students
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Two one-day trainings provided each year focused on one of the approaches utilized by the core
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One-on-one training with laboratory supervisors or core director on request
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Technical personnel professional development training
