# Structure, Composition, & Histology Core - Core B

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2021 · $192,456

## Abstract

Michigan Integrative Musculoskeletal Health Core Center – Core B
Project Summary
Structure and composition across physiological length-scales are key intermediate traits that link gene
expression with functional outcomes. Genetic and/or environmental perturbations affecting gene expression
often lead to measureable changes in these intermediate traits that have mechanical and other functional
consequences. Accurately quantifying structure and composition at different length scales is therefore essential
to advancing our understanding of the molecular and mechanical mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal health
and disease; to develop and evaluate treatment strategies; and to ultimately translate these strategies to the
clinic. However, this research requires use of advanced and costly instruments and supporting expertise in cell
biology, chemistry, engineering, and biomedical imaging. The Structure, Composition and Histology Core
(Core B) will provide access to the instruments and expertise that will enable Center investigators to quantify
these intermediate traits and to accelerate their research programs. Core B will include ex-vivo micro-Computed
Tomography (µCT) and nano-Computed Tomography (nano-CT), Raman spectroscopy, and histology as its
major components. These technologies were chosen for their applicability to all musculoskeletal tissues and
based on usage data over the previous 4 years and a needs-assessment survey of core users. Investigators at
the University of Michigan pioneered the use of µCT and Raman spectroscopy to investigate musculoskeletal
tissues and are leaders in applying these technologies to solve musculoskeletal problems. Histology continues
to be the gateway approach to understanding changes in tissue morphology and, when combined with CT and
Raman spectroscopy, histology can link tissue morphology to composition and functional outcomes. The goals
of this Core are to leverage the expertise of the core leadership to support the research programs of Center
investigators in performing structural, compositional and histological analyses of all musculoskeletal tissues, both
intellectually and financially; to expand opportunities for our research community; and to bring new investigators
into the musculoskeletal community. To accomplish our goals and to continue creating a robust and sustainable
impact to the musculoskeletal community in the P30 renewal application, we propose the following Specific Aims:
Aim 1: To provide expertise and guidance on the best use of technologies and experimental design to allow
investigators to conduct specialized assays for quantifying structure and composition across length scales.
Aim 2: To provide expert use, standardization, and training in state-of-the-art technologies to quantify structure
and composition across physiological length scales.
Aim 3: To provide expertise and scientific guidance on data analysis, interpretation of results and
recommendations for future studies.
Aim 4: To ex...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10232590
- **Project number:** 2P30AR069620-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID H. KOHN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $192,456
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10232590

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10232590, Structure, Composition, & Histology Core - Core B (2P30AR069620-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10232590. Licensed CC0.

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