Service Overview
According to data from the Protein Data Bank, membrane protein (MP) structures account for only 3% of all successfully resolved protein three-dimensional structures. Considering that MP genes comprise one-third of the total genes in an organism, this gap is significant and indicates that challenges in MP research still persist. The expert team at Alphelix has been deeply engaged in the field of membrane proteins for over 20 years, successfully establishing multiple internationally leading membrane protein technology platforms. We provide global innovative pharmaceutical companies with one-stop services ranging from membrane protein target preparation and structural analysis to the early discovery of antibodies, small molecules, and peptide drugs. The membrane proteins covered by these services include GPCRs, ion channels, transporters, transmembrane proteases (TP), and membrane receptors (excluding GPCRs).
| Membrane Protein vs. Soluble Protein | ||
| Membrane Protein | Soluble Protein | |
| Expression System | Expressed on biological membranes, which are significantly different in lipid composition across different species; large differences in protein synthesis mechanisms | Expressed in the cytoplasm; relatively small differences in protein synthesis mechanisms across different species |
| Preparation Method | The addition of detergents and lipids is required for protein purification and stabilization; the formula of detergents and lipids is critical for protein stabilization | Lipids and detergents are not required for protein purification and stabilization |
| Crystallographic Method | Crystals can be grown in aqueous phases and lipidic mesophases; the formula of detergent, lipid, and salt is complicated and requires optimization for obtaining high-quality crystals | Crystals are grown in aqueous phases; there is no need for detergentsor lipids |
| X-ray crystallography | The crystals are normally small and have high anisotropy and weak diffraction capacity; a synchrotron X-ray microfocus beam might be essential to collecting | The crystals are normally large and of high isotropy, with strong diffraction capacity |
| Cryo-electron microscopy single particle sample preparation | Protein samples are normally reconstituted onto lipidic nanodiscs; the selection of lipids and sample preparation protocol are complicated; the type and concentration of detergents used can affect the ice thickness and particle distribution | No need to reconstitute the protein onto lipidic nanodiscs; no interference from detergents |
