Cellular and In Vivo Models Core

CELLULAR AND IN VIVO MODELS CORE: PROJECT SUMMARY
The Cellular and In Vivo Models (CIVM) Core will be co-directed by Atul Bhan and Dennis Brown. Core
services fall into four categories: imaging technology; organoid biology applications in IBD; advice on in vivo
models; and education and training. Two major additions to imaging technology services are a Zeiss LSM800
confocal system with Airyscan technology, which doubles the resolution of conventional confocal microscopes
and greatly increases sensitivity, and a Nikon STORM super-resolution system that enables the visualization of
nanoscopic interactions, such as between proteins or between proteins and nucleic acids. In response to CSIBD
member feedback, the CIVM Core now facilitates organoid biology applications in IBD by providing access to a
bank of genotyped mouse- and human-derived intestinal organoids as well as tools, technologies, and protocols
for manipulation of these systems. The Core offers expert advice on in vivo model development, implementation,
and analysis. Histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical and special stains for tissue sections, scoring
systems for evaluating intestinal inflammation, and morphological interpretations of phenotypes observed in
genetic mouse models are also provided. Education and training services include consultation, short-term and
intensive technical training, and long-term guidance on project development.
The CIVM Core aims to advance and improve the level of support for research programs of CSIBD investigators
and the wider digestive disease research community. To this end, the Core provides Center investigators with
technical support, expertise, and access to high-end instrumentation necessary for cell biology studies as well
as advice on in vitro and in vivo models relevant to IBD. The specific aims of the Cellular and In Vivo Models
Core are to (1) provide investigators working in digestive disease- and IBD-targeted research areas with access
to sophisticated cellular imaging approaches at a time when few or no isolated laboratories can develop the
highest level of technical competence in the specialized areas served by the Core; (2) enable transformative
investigation into the impact of human genetic variants associated with IBD by providing advice on in vivo model
systems, access to a genotyped organoid bank, resources for manipulating organoids and primary epithelial
cells, and histopathological analysis; (3) provide an environment for the training of key personnel from
participating laboratories; (4) evolve to meet the changing needs of the research community by introducing new
equipment and techniques; (5) maintain the highest level of integrity in generating, analyzing and reporting data
by focusing on quality control, rigor and reproducibility parameters in research, and data management; and (6)
provide a central location for imaging activities in which different investigators can interact and share ideas for
pushing IBD research forward.

Grant Number: 5P30DK043351-35
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Dennis Brown