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 for...