Introduction
Membrane proteins are a vital class of proteins that carry out essential biological functions in all living organisms. Found within the membranes of cells and cellular organelles, membrane proteins account for over 30% of the proteins encoded by the human genome. These specialized proteins play crucial roles in regulating transport of ions, molecules, and signals between the interior and exterior environments of cells and organelles. Some examples of membrane proteins include ion channels, transporters, receptors, and enzymes.
The functions of membrane proteins impact nearly all physiological processes, from neurotransmission to metabolism to immunity. Membrane proteins are also the targets for over 50% of marketed drugs, given their accessibility on cell surfaces and integral involvement in disease pathways. Understanding membrane protein structure and function is therefore critical for elucidating biological mechanisms and developing new therapeutics. However, studying membrane proteins presents challenges due to their hydrophobic nature and instability outside of membrane environments. Obtaining high-quality membrane protein samples is essential for research aimed at better comprehending these essential biomolecules.
Alpha Lifetech's Membrane Protein Products
Alpha Lifetech produces a comprehensive range of high-quality membrane protein products to meet the diverse needs of researchers and scientists. Our catalog includes:
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) - We offer an extensive range of recombinant GPCRs expressed in mammalian, insect, yeast, and bacterial systems. Our GPCRs include receptors for neurotransmitters, hormones, odorants, light, nucleotides, lipids, and more.
Figure 1: 2-D structure of GPCR
- Ion channels - We provide a variety of voltage-gated, ligand-gated, and mechanically-gated ion channel proteins, including potassium, sodium, calcium, and chloride channels. These are available from mammalian, insect, avian, and bacterial expression systems.
Figure 2:3-D structure Ion Channel Protein
- Transporters - Our transport proteins include ABC transporters, major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters, neurotransmitter transporters, and more. We offer transporters from human, mouse, bacterial, yeast, and other sources.
- Enzymes - We provide a selection of membrane-bound enzymes like cytochrome P450 enzymes, protein kinases, ATPases, and phospholipases. These originate from mammalian, microbial, and plant sources.
- Receptors - In addition to GPCRs, we offer other receptor proteins like tyrosine kinase receptors, cytokine receptors, pattern recognition receptors, nuclear receptors, and cell adhesion receptors.
Our wide range of high-quality membrane proteins covers key protein families and origins to support diverse research needs.
Membrane Protein Production Methods
At Alpha Lifetech, we utilize the most advanced membrane protein production methods to ensure high quality results for our customers.
Our expert scientists use cutting-edge expression systems to produce a wide variety of membrane proteins. These optimized systems allow us to achieve high yields while maintaining proper protein folding and function. Common expression systems we employ include mammalian cell cultures, insect cell cultures, yeast, and cell-free methods.
Once expressed, our team purifies membrane proteins using sophisticated chromatographic techniques like affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. We take great care during purification to preserve protein stability and activity.
To guarantee only the highest quality products, we thoroughly characterize each membrane protein preparation. Characterization assays allow us to confirm protein purity, identity, integrity, and activity. Typical analytical methods include SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, mass spectrometry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and ligand binding assays.
By combining advanced expression systems, purification methods, and characterization techniques, Alpha Lifetech provides membrane proteins that consistently meet or exceed our customers' expectations. Our rigorous production and analysis methods ensure reliable, high-performing membrane protein products for your research needs.
Conclusion
Alpha Lifetech provides high-quality membrane protein products and services to help scientists worldwide achieve their research goals. As outlined in this article, membrane proteins play essential roles in biological processes and are important targets for understanding cellular functions and drug discovery. By utilizing advanced expression, purification, and characterization techniques, Alpha Lifetech's expert scientists produce a wide range of recombinant and native membrane proteins. These include G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, and membrane proteins from various species and expression systems.
When you choose Alpha Lifetech as your trusted partner, you can be confident in receiving high-quality membrane proteins along with consistent performance, competitive pricing, fast turnaround times, and excellent technical support. Whether you need membrane proteins for structural studies, therapeutic development, or novel applications in biotechnology, Alpha Lifetech has the exceptional products and services to help you succeed. With their commitment to providing researchers worldwide with the highest quality membrane protein products, Alpha Lifetech cements their position as an industry leader and trusted provider.