G Protein-coupled Receptor Analysis Service Based on SPR Technology

G protein-coupled receptors are a generic term for a large group of membrane protein receptors whose general structure in the cell membrane can be seen in the diagram below. What G protein-coupled receptors have in common is that they all have seven transmembrane alpha helices in their stereological structure, and they all have binding sites for G proteins (guanylate-binding proteins) at the C-terminus of their peptide chain and at the intracellular loops connecting the fifth and sixth transmembrane helices. G protein-coupled receptors are found only in eukaryotes and are involved in many important cellular signalling processes. During these processes, G protein-coupled receptors bind chemicals in the cellular surroundings and activate a range of intracellular signalling pathways, ultimately causing a change in cellular state. These receptors can be small molecules such as glucose, lipids, peptides, or biomolecules such as proteins. There are numerous diseases associated with G protein-coupled receptors, and approximately 40% of modern drugs target G protein-coupled receptors. G protein-coupled receptors are involved in numerous physiological processes. The following are some of the common signalling and physiological processes in which G protein-coupled receptors are involved.

Fig.1 The general structure of G protein-coupled receptors

The following are some of the common signalling and physiological processes in which G protein-coupled receptors are involved.

• Olfactory perception - The olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity is distributed with many olfactory receptors that sense odour molecules.
• Regulation of behaviour and emotion - There are many neurotransmitters in the mammalian brain that control behaviour and emotion corresponding to G protein-coupled receptors, including serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate.
• Regulation of the immune system - Many chemokines act through G protein-coupled receptors, which are collectively known as chemokine receptors. Other G protein-coupled receptors in this category include interleukin receptors and histamine receptors, which are involved in inflammatory and allergic responses.
• Regulation of the autonomic nervous system - In vertebrates, both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity is regulated by G protein-coupled receptor signalling pathways, which control many autonomic physiological functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and so on.
• Maintenance of homeostasis - such as the regulation of water balance in the body.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the process of G protein-coupled receptor analysis

Because of the important role of G protein-coupled receptors in signalling in the physiological activities of living organisms, the field of targeting of G protein-coupled receptors has received much attention in recent years. The screening of new drug targets and the study of G-protein-coupled receptor transduction mechanisms are inseparable from the analysis of intermolecular interactions. In addition, in-depth and systematic studies on the interaction of G protein-coupled receptors with multiple downstream effector proteins and the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor signalling pathway transduction are also important elements in biological research. In this respect, we offer you high-throughput intermolecular interaction analysis through SPR technology. If your experimental project involves the study of molecular interactions of G protein-coupled receptors, you may wish to try our high-throughput technology platform. The general flow of the relevant applications of our SPR technology platform can be seen in the diagram below.

Fig.2 BIAchip™ in the process of G protein-coupled receptor analysis

SPR technology has the following distinct advantages over traditional methods of molecular interaction analysis

• High efficiency and low cost

In a single run SPR system can analyse hundreds of G protein-coupled receptor samples simultaneously and in parallel, including concentration quantification, kinetic analysis and antibody affinity analysis. The high throughput interaction analysis service not only facilitates the molecular mechanism of G-protein coupled receptors, but also allows for significant cost savings in research.

• High sensitivity and accuracy

The high sensitivity of SPR technology minimises systematic errors introduced by the instrument, giving you 100% assurance of the accuracy of your result data. In addition, the high sensitivity means that SPR has a low detectable line, making it easy for you to target small molecular weight samples and G protein-coupled receptor interaction studies.

• High flexibility and expandability

The extensibility of SPR makes your exclusive customisation easy. Whatever your molecular interaction requirements for G protein-coupled receptors, Creative Proteomics can customise our microarray service to meet your project requirements. What's more, the turnaround time for customisation is short and our dedicated team can work with you on a one-to-one basis. You will receive a professional customisation service after you have placed your order.

Choosing SPR technology platform of Creative Proteomics, you will greatly save time and money costs owing to high-throughput intermolecular interaction analysis servive about G protein-coupled receptors . All services are available on a 24/7/365 basis. If you have any questions or suggestions about SPR, please feel free to contact us right now.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.