In biological cells, membrane proteins (MPs) are the most important components that maintain cellular physiological processes and play critical roles in a variety of cellular functions such as material transport, signal transduction, and intercellular recognition. Approximately 25% of the total proteome of MPs is encoded by the human genome. These membrane proteins are associated with various diseases such as cystic fibrosis, atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, and are also popular targets for drug development. Creative Biolabs provides comprehensive services to support membrane protein preparation and research.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, and transporters are all common membrane protein drug targets. GPCRs are the largest and most diverse type of membrane receptors found in eukaryotes. G proteins are special proteins that can bind to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and guanosine diphosphate (GDP). Ion channels are formed by special proteins produced by cells that cluster together and embed themselves in the cell membrane, creating pores that are filled with water molecules. These pores allow water-soluble substances to move quickly in and out of the cell. Transporters are involved in secondary active transport, meaning that they rely on the potential energy provided by sodium ions present in high concentrations outside the cell (which are transported there by primary active transport) to move substances, rather than directly consuming ATP.
Research on membrane proteins has been slow due to their low expression level and complex protein structures. However, research related to membrane proteins has continued given their important role in physiological and pathological processes. High-quality and efficient production of GPCRs, ion channel proteins, and transport proteins is the first step towards conducting in-depth studies on these three types of membrane proteins. Specific studies require appropriate methods for obtaining high-quality membrane proteins.
Small molecule drugs targeting membrane proteins are now widely used in the treatment of various diseases. However, many of these drugs have several side effects that can cause different impacts. In contrast, therapeutic antibodies that exhibit high specificity and targeting are more promising forms of drugs. Moreover, the development of membrane protein antibodies is acrucial tool for exploring their biological functions. The preparation of membrane protein immunogens is critical to the development of candidate antibodies that specifically modulate membrane protein function. The ideal antigen should contain all key sites related to the function of the target protein. During production, appropriate methods for the preparation of GPCR immunogens, ion channel immunogens, and transporter immunogens must be selected according to specific research protocols to develop ideal antibodies.
Several elements are critical when developing therapeutic antibodies against membrane proteins.
Highly conserved structures are essential for the body to maintain normal function, and therefore interventions against these targets are more selective.
The structural diversity of transmembrane proteins (ion channels, GPCRs) and membrane-bound kinases (matrix metalloproteinases) provides many ideas for intervening to regulate the specific functions of these proteins, making it easier to develop target-specific therapeutic antibodies.
The structural diversity of transmembrane proteins such as ion channels, GPCRs, and membrane-bound kinases (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases) provides numerous ideas for interfering with the specific functions of these proteins, making it easier to develop target-specific therapeutic antibodies.
GPCRs Introduction
Ion Channels Introduction
Transport Proteins Introduction
Other Membrane Protein Introduction
Introduction to Membrane Protein Formats
Introduction to Membrane Protein Characterization Methods
Based on our extensive research and study, Creative Biolabs has accumulated a lot of relevant knowledge and experience. We would be pleased to discuss with you the research challenges of membrane proteins.
All listed services and products are For Research Use Only. Do Not use in any diagnostic or therapeutic applications.