# Integrative Morphology Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · 2020 · $150,102

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY 
The overall goal of the Integrative Morphology Core of the Digestive Health Center (DHC) is to provide 
DHC investigators with state-of-the-art, high quality, efficient and reliable technology support for morphologic 
studies of digestive diseases. The Core pursues this goal with three complementary aims. In the first aim “to 
develop an effective service infrastructure to support morphologic studies,” the Core developed and 
implemented an organizational infrastructure and personnel to greatly facilitate the request and execution of 
services in a cost-efficient basis, while enhancing interactions between the investigative groups. The Core is 
directed by an experienced pathologist with expertise on molecular biology and advanced instrumentation for 
high-definition analysis of fixed and living cells and tissues. In the second aim “to augment microscopic 
analyses of tissue and cellular structure and function,” the Core staffs three laboratories with highly qualified 
technicians or directors in three complementary laboratories: 1) Research Pathology Laboratory, focusing on 
histochemical, immunostaining, and electron microscopy analysis of cells and tissues; 2) Liver Microscopy 
Laboratory that specializes in 2-photon-based confocal microscopy of live cells and tissues; and 3) Confocal 
Imaging Laboratory, with a superb infrastructure for high-end confocal microscopy. In the third aim “to ensure 
quality control, cost efficiency, and technology transfer,” the Core implements a quality assurance program 
related to reliability of reagents, well-functioning instruments, user safety, proper hands-on-training, and 
streamlined process for service requests. The Core also holds seminars and workshops as part of the Center 
enrichment series with the goal to provide DHC investigators with practical reviews and analysis of the latest 
technologies and assays, and to empower investigators to take advantage of the resources based on their 
scientific needs. This management strategy and commitment to research excellence have resulted in large 
utilization of services and have been linked to a high scientific output in peer-reviewed original publications that 
are relevant to digestive disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9951040
- **Project number:** 5P30DK078392-14
- **Recipient organization:** CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathryn Ann Wikenheiser-Brokamp
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $150,102
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9951040

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9951040, Integrative Morphology Core (5P30DK078392-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9951040. Licensed CC0.

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