Bone biologics and histomorphometry

Columbia University Health Sciences, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Abstract The Bone Biologics and Histomorphometry Core wills serve as a hub that will consolidate equipment and expertise to provide the investigators of this Program Project with state-of-the-art, quality-controlled histology and histomorphometry analyses of bone, pancreas and other soft tissues as well as microCT and biomechanical testing of mouse bones. It will also provide investigators with quality-controlled, non-commercially available, biologics needed by investigators to perform their studies. The Core contribution to this Program Project will be at 5 levels. 1) Processing mouse specimens for histology, immunolabeling and histomorphometry. The OsteoMeasure Histomorphometry System will be used to assess bone static parameters, such as bone volume, trabecular number and cell counts, and dynamic parameters of bone formation, such as mineral apposition rates, from non-decalcified bone sections. The Bioquant system will be used to quantify cell mass/proliferation in pancreas, cell number and size in fat. Image J will be used for the quantification of TUNEL or BrdU positive cells. Routine histology stainings such as Hematoxylin/Eosin, Toluidine Blue, von Kossa/Van Gieson, Goldner trichrome, Cresyl violet as well as more specific ones such as TUNEL, TRAP staining and immunodetection studies using fluorescent and enzymatic detection on sections will also be performed by the Core. 2) Performing microCT analyses of mouse bones. 3) biomechanical testing of mouse bones. 4) Producing and purifying recombinant Osteocalcin (Ocn) and Lipocalin2 (Lcn2) proteins for in vivo studies. 5) Purifying antibodies and setting up an ELISA for mouse active and total Ocn. The Core will provide expertise and advice for experimental design as well as assist in evaluating the biological relevance of the bone histomorphometry/microCT/biomechanics data and of the soft tissue analyses.