# Joint Imaging Core of the MARC

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2022 · $163,192

## Abstract

JOINT IMAGING CORE ABSTRACT
The objective of the Joint Imaging (JI) Core of the Microenvironment in Arthritis Resource Center (MARC) is to
facilitate research in the San Diego community focused on the biology of the joint through magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). The JI Core will provide a non-invasive means to image in vivo tissue structure, metabolism,
and function of human and small animal joints. The Core's technologies can also provide structured data that
can be analyzed and integrated with other datasets, such as transcriptomics from biopsies on the same joint
and clinical phenotype. The Core offers a unique integration of radiology and rheumatology that is uncommon
among Rheumatic Diseases Research Resource-based Centers, particularly when combined with the
computational support from other MARC resources. The non-invasive nature of MRI, coupled with the absence
of ionizing radiation and the ability to evaluate all musculoskeletal tissues, renders this resource highly
valuable for joint pathology projects and for translational studies aimed at development of biomarkers or novel
therapeutic approaches. The Aims of the JI Core are 1) to provide investigators with MR imaging protocols that
offer non-invasive morphologic, biochemical and functional evaluation of musculoskeletal tissues, 2) to provide
investigators with MR engineering support to include MR compatible devices and radiofrequency (RF) coil
development for in vivo, tissue specimen or animal imaging, and 3) to assist investigators with imaging data
post-processing algorithms that allow desired expression of data. The Core will also facilitate interactions of
pre-clinical investigators with established rheumatology and orthopaedics clinical research resources and with
affiliated services if non-MRI small animal imaging is needed. The JI Core will act as catalyzer of multi-
disciplinary and innovative science that and bring human imaging technology to basic science investigators.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10472683
- **Project number:** 5P30AR073761-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTINE B CHUNG
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $163,192
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10472683

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10472683, Joint Imaging Core of the MARC (5P30AR073761-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10472683. Licensed CC0.

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