Among the numerous genes in the genome, approximately 20% to 30% encode membrane proteins. These membrane proteins participate in almost every cellular activity, including ligand-receptor binding, signal transduction, molecular transport, cell recognition, and enzyme catalysis, rendering them of great significance in biological research and drug development. Therefore, membrane proteins represent crucial targets for numerous drug development and clinical therapeutic studies, with ion channels, transporters, GPCRs, and kinases being the largest class of drug targets. Approximately 40% of approved antibody drugs currently exert their pharmacological effects by targeting GPCR complexes.
However, due to their complex structures and challenging expression, research on multi-pass transmembrane proteins has always been a formidable task. BIOTUVA has established three major transmembrane expression technology platforms, providing multi-pass transmembrane protein expression services aimed at resolving the difficulties encountered by researchers in studying these proteins. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality recombinant transmembrane proteins to scientists, facilitating advancements in the field of biomedical research.
How to Choose a Transmembrane Protein Technology Platform?
Different membrane protein technology platforms have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The selection should be based on the specific protein expression needs and application scenarios. You can consult with technical personnel from BIOTUVA for specific guidance. Below is a comparison of different platforms:
| Technology Platforms | VLPs | Detergent Micelle Platform | Nanodisc Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coating for ELISA | Direct coating | Direct coating | Direct coating |
| Activity | Great | Good | Good |
| Stability | Most stable | Relatively stable | Relatively stable |
| Purity | Mixture | Relatively pure (only target protein) | Mixture |
| SPR/BLI | Detectable | Detectable (solution adjustment required) | Detectable |
| Factors to consider | Total protein concentration; More costly. | Relatively short preparation period, More affordable. | Relatively short preparation period. |
