PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The proposed S10 project entitled “Octet R8 System for Molecular Interaction Studies in Infectious and Non-infectious Diseases” is to respond to PAR-21-125 Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program. The mission of the Analytical Instrumentation Core (AIC) at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Boston University (BU) is to provide support and training to investigators through cutting-edge analytical instruments and services to facilitate research and education. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of a diverse range of human diseases. The AIC meets this goal by providing access to modern, sophisticated high-priced instruments that are necessary to advancing the research of multiple biomedical investigators. These instruments are typically cost-prohibitive for individual scientists to purchase, operate, and maintain. Based on feedback from our investigators, having highly sensitive approaches for identifying and quantifying intramolecular interactions between antibodies, receptors, peptides, small molecules, and viruses have consistently been reported as an AIC service of the greatest need. This is especially relevant because many groups have started more translational projects over the past several years (particularly because of the current pandemic) and require the ability to quantitatively detect binding between novel targets and therapeutics. This desire from multiple investigators has led us to explore the possibility of purchasing a Sartorius 8-channel Octet biolayer interferometry (BLI) R8 system. Industry- leading BLI analytical instruments precisely and accurately monitor binding between two different molecules in real-time. The Octet R8 will provide investigators a highly sensitive and reliable way to conduct binding assays, to quantify proteins, antibodies, peptides and small molecules, and to directly monitor the kinetics of binding events and interactions between biomolecules from in-vitro and ex-vivo studies. The AIC provides services to more than 150 investigators/labs, and has over 10 NIH funded projects that would directly utilize the Octet R8. Presence of BLI services will allow researchers to perform their projects with greater precision and sensitivity. We propose that the Octet-R8 will be housed at the AIC, which is located on the BU Medical Campus. However, it will still be equally accessible to investigators across the entire research community. This will be highly beneficial because the AIC has extensive experience and a magnificent record of accomplishment regarding instrument maintenance and training users. The instrument will be assured to be in excellent working condition, thus minimizing any potential down time. The institution will provide substantial financial support and there is also an advisory committee to assist with biosafety needs, publications, and annual progress reports. Investment in this equipment will allow our investi...