PROJECT SUMMARY: Translational Analysis Core The main objectives of the Translational Analysis Core are to provide VDDRC investigators with seamless access to a well-coordinated suite of investigative modalities including molecular non-invasive small animal imaging, large-scale digital archiving and quantitative analysis of histologic, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections, state-of-the art research immunohistochemistry, and consultative services in interpretation of morphologic findings in animal models and human digestive diseases. The Core has three components: the Preclinical Imaging Service led by Dr. Peterson, the Digital Histology Service led by Dr. Goldenring, and the Tissue Morphology Service led by Drs. Piazuelo and Washington. In the current funding period, Core services were utilized by 42 VDDRC members leading to 217 peer-reviewed publications. The expansion and strategic realignment of this Core now provides VDDRC investigators the opportunity to move nimbly from investigations utilizing non-invasive molecular imaging (Preclinical Imaging) and histology (Tissue Morphology), often in tandem, in tractable model systems of digestive diseases to digitization and state-of-the-art high throughput analysis of morphology-based findings (Digital Histology). Continually expanding services include access to a variety of molecular imaging probes specifically tailored for imaging GI disease in preclinical animal models, including NIR-based optical imaging reagents and translational imaging compounds labeled with positron emitting isotopes (PET), and providing GI-focused digital imaging services. The Preclinical Imaging Service will support all major small animal imaging modalities including optical, SPECT, and PET methods for molecular imaging, as provided by the Center for Small Animal Imaging within the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. The Tissue Morphology Service provides research immunohistochemistry services for both human and animal gastrointestinal tissue. In addition, Dr. Washington, the Core Director, and Dr. Piazuelo provide the necessary expertise for interpretation of histologic findings obtained in these studies. The Digital Histology Service provides high resolution digital imaging of and quantitative analysis methods for whole slides and TMA in brightfield and fluorescence, and works with the Tissue Morphology Service to facilitate multiplexed immunohistochemistry. Collectively, this Core offers VDDRC members a tightly knit compendium of services provided by leaders with a rich history of collaboration that are designed to increase the breadth and depth of animal studies with human validation focused on digestive diseases.