Imaging Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The goal of the Imaging Core is to provide state-of-the-art, customized image acquisition, reconstruction, and quantitative analysis for pre-clinical (tissue samples and animal models) and clinical (in vivo human) musculoskeletal research. These will include pre-clinical and clinical: 1) acquisition and reconstruction of MRI/MRSI, PET, SPECT, CT, DXA, and optical tomography data; 2) spatial registration of multi-modality images; 3) extraction of quantitative information concerning biologically relevant image parameters; and 4) evaluation of the relationships of these imaging-derived parameters to biochemistry, histology, biomechanics, and physiology of biological systems interacting with the musculoskeletal system. Many of these procedures are novel and require specialized knowledge of imaging physics, mathematics, and computer science. Investigators linked to the Imaging Core have extensive experience in these imaging and quantitative analysis techniques and will work closely with CCMBM investigators to match and/or develop the best imaging and data processing methods to their specific research questions. Innovation and Service: Goal is to provide unique tools utilizing novel image acquisition and image processing technologies to support and accelerate research and investigation of musculoskeletal biology and diseases. Aim 1: To develop, maintain, and support state-of-the-art quantitative image acquisition and reconstruction methods for pre-clinical and human musculoskeletal tissues. Aim 2: To develop novel image processing and quantitative analysis techniques, implement robust measures for clinical grading of musculoskeletal images, provide software packages for post-processing, visualization, and quantitative analysis of images, and to provide templates and training to improve access to analysis tools. Aim 3: To provide interpretation of imaging data from single and serial imaging examinations, and assess links to the extracted biochemical, histological, and biomechanical measures, and the relevant clinical or experimental endpoints. Education and Dissemination: Goal will be to promote development and adoption of state-of- the-art imaging methodology in musculoskeletal research. Aim 4: To enable efficient CCMBM member access to clinical and research imaging services, as well as resources to support computational analysis of imaging data, by providing web portal access to detailed descriptions for resources and services, current contact details, and process information. Aim 5: To perform proactive outreach to attract new users and to provide imaging seminars, workshops, and facilities tours that will introduce new imaging tools and new image processing capabilities to the CCMBM community, with particular focus on supporting early-stage investigators.