# Advanced Imaging and Tissue Analysis Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $271,321

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY AITAC
The overarching mission of the WU-DDRCC is to promote collaborative, multidisciplinary research focused on
interactions between host and environment in digestive disease. The AITAC supports tissue imaging and
analysis, tools for visualizing the spatial relationships of different cell types and subcellullar components in the
liver and gastrointestinal tract. AITAC personnel have extensive expertise in morphologic analysis and imaging
of digestive tissues. Since 2013, the AITAC has provided comprehensive, advanced microscopic imaging
and image analysis services to 45 Full and 26 Associate members (>90% members) per year in an
efficient, cost-effective manner. AITAC is configured with two components: (1). Tissue Analysis Component,
which performs tissue embedding, sectioning, and immunohistochemical analyses, and provides training in all
services. The Tissue Analysis Component (light and fluorescence microscopes) reside in a single core lab which
also provides a separate light-controlled room for microscopy only. (2). Advanced Image Analysis Component,
which provides access to and training in (i) routine light, fluorescent and inverted fluorescent microscopy and
quantitative image analysis (ii) access to the institutional In Vivo Imaging Core (IVIC), an investigator-built 2-
photon microscope and facility with complete technical support for live cell, in vivo organ and tissue imaging; and
(iii) access to the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI; http://wucci.wustl.edu/) this
facility provides advanced cellular imaging technologies including confocal, super-resolution, transmission, light
sheet, scanning electron microscopy and nanotomography. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS include:increased
microscope and image analysis usage; invested in 2 new microscopes (an Olympus BX43F light microscope for
high-resolution imaging and an Olympus SZX-ZB7 stereo zoom dissecting microscope); upgraded Zeiss image
analysis software; installed a fully automated slide. We responded to Members' needs in annual surveys by
expanding imaging and image analysis components, and leveraged access to the WUCCI by expanding
our Supplemental Awards program (detailed in Administrative (ARAC) Core report). The overall impact of
these accomplishments has resulted in 156 original scientific publications citing the WU-DDRCC since
2013. Based on these accomplishments and goals, our current SPECIFIC AIMS include: (1). To provide highly
cost-effective, comprehensive tissue analysis services and investigator training in an extensive array of histologic
procedures, including human and research animal tissue processing, embedding, routine and special staining
and immunohistochemical analyses that advance our understanding of digestive disease pathophysiology.
(2). To provide access to and training in the use of advanced imaging and image analysis tools such as the Zeiss
Axiovert with Apotome, Zeiss and InForm image analysis software, access to institutional 2-...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10129356
- **Project number:** 5P30DK052574-22
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DEBORAH C. RUBIN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $271,321
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10129356

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10129356, Advanced Imaging and Tissue Analysis Core (5P30DK052574-22). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10129356. Licensed CC0.

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