# PRECLINICAL MODELS OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES CORE

> **NIH NIH P30** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $298,394

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY - VDDRC PRECLINICAL MODELS OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES CORE
The main objectives of the Preclinical Models of Digestive Diseases Core are to provide VDDRC investigators
with access to non-invasive small animal imaging, organoid models, state-of-the art research
immunohistochemistry, consultative services in interpretation of morphologic findings in animal models and
human digestive diseases, construction of Tissue arrays, and laser capture microdissection (LCM). The Core
has three components: the Preclinical Imaging Subcore, the GI Organoid Subcore and the Tissue Morphology
Subcore. The expansion and modification of this Core now provides VDDRC investigators the opportunity to
move nimbly from investigations utilizing non-invasive molecular imaging (Preclinical Imaging Subcore) and
histology (Tissue Morphology Subcore), often in tandem, in tractable transgenic model systems of digestive
diseases to mechanistic studies using novel organoid culture-based systems (GI Organoid Subcore). Fifty-one
VDDRC members utilized services provided by this Core in the last funding period. Ex vivo studies that employ
organoids will subsequently inform and guide new in vivo experimentation which will ultimately culminate in
studies of clinical populations. Continually expanded 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). The
Preclinical Imaging Subcore 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 GI Organoid Subcore provides a unique service in
promoting organoid production from both transgenic mouse models and human GI tissues. The Tissue
Morphology Subcore provides research immunohistochemistry services for both human and animal intestinal
tissue, construction of TMAs, and access to LCM. In addition, Dr. Washington, the Core Director, provides the
necessary expertise for interpretation of the histologic findings obtained in these studies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9980897
- **Project number:** 5P30DK058404-19
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** MARY Kay WASHINGTON
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $298,394
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9980897

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9980897, PRECLINICAL MODELS OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES CORE (5P30DK058404-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9980897. Licensed CC0.

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