Membrane Protein Platform

Alpha Lifetech has established a complete integrated service for protein expression, protein purification, and functional validation. We have rich experience in customized recombinant protein expression and fusion protein expression purification. We have successfully prepared thousands of recombinant proteins for our customers, including recombinant antibodies, secreted proteins, transmembrane proteins, proteases, etc., with high success rates.

Application And Classification Of Membrane Proteins

According to their location, proteins are divided into intracellular proteins, membrane proteins, and extracellular proteins. Among them, membrane proteins account for about 30% of all encoded genes and play a key role in cellular life activities. Once the function of membrane proteins is abnormal, it may lead to the occurrence of various diseases. For example, when the expression levels of pituitary growth factor receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on the cell surface are high, it may cause abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation, and even lead to the occurrence of cancer. The binding between drug molecules and membrane proteins is often related to the mechanism of drug action. Therefore, the study of the structure and function of membrane proteins can provide some ideas for drug development. By understanding the interaction between drugs and membrane proteins, drug activity can be improved and adverse reactions can be reduced. Membrane proteins can also serve as drug targets, so they can be used to treat various diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease by interfering with the function of membrane proteins. Membrane proteins can specifically recognize target substances. Based on this specific recognition ability, membrane proteins can serve as a key component of biosensors, enabling them to efficiently and accurately detect various substances inside and outside the body, including drugs, hormones, bacteria, and viruses.

Membrane proteins are divided into three categories, including peripheral membrane proteins, integrated membrane proteins, and lipid anchoring proteins.

Fig. 1 Structure of membrane proteins and lipid regulation. (Figure source: Tracking Membrane Protein Dynamics in Real Time - PMC (nih.gov))

peripheral membrane proteins

Peripheral membrane proteins refer to water-soluble proteins that bind to protein molecules or membrane lipid molecules on the membrane surface through ionic bonds or other weak non covalent bonds. These proteins are mainly distributed on the inner surface of the membrane and have relatively weak binding forces with the membrane. Therefore, as long as the ionic strength of the solution is changed or the temperature is increased, peripheral membrane proteins will be separated from the membrane, making protein purification easier.

Integrated membrane proteins

Integrated membrane proteins refer to proteins that interact with the membrane through strong hydrophobic interactions, thereby stably embedding or penetrating the entire membrane. Due to their ability to form transmembrane helices within the membrane, these proteins bind tightly to the membrane and are not easily soluble in water. Integrated membrane proteins, also known as transmembrane proteins, can be divided into extracellular domain, transmembrane domain, and intracellular domain. The transmembrane domain is usually composed of alpha helices, which are hydrophobic segments that interact with the hydrophobic tails of membrane molecules and stably embed into the membrane. The integration of membrane proteins has a significant impact on the stability of membrane structure.

Lipid anchored membrane proteins

Lipid anchored membrane proteins refer to proteins that bind to lipid molecules through covalent bonds and anchor to the cytoplasmic membrane. Lipid anchored proteins can be located on the inner and outer sides of the membrane, and their binding to the membrane is relatively stable.

Related Service

Alpha Lifetech has established a complete integrated service for protein expression, purification, and functional validation.

Membrane Protein Expression Service

Alpha Lifetech’s membrane protein expression service offers cutting-edge solutions for the production of challenging membrane proteins, including GPCRs, ion channels, and virus-like particles.

Membrane Protein Purification Service

Alpha Lifetech will choose purification methods according to the specific needs of our customers, and combine them with our protein purification platform to obtain high-quality protein products in a short period of time.