Ion Channel Analysis Service Based on SPR Technology

Biomembrane ion channels are pathways for the passive transport of various inorganic ions across membranes. There are two modes of transmembrane transport of inorganic ions by biological membranes, including passive transport (down an ion concentration gradient) and active transport (against an ion concentration gradient). The passive transport pathway is called an ion channel, while the active transport ion carrier is called an ion pump. Ion channels are made up of special proteins produced by the cell, which aggregate and are embedded in the cell membrane, forming pores in the middle that are occupied by water molecules. These pores are the channels through which water-soluble substances move rapidly in and out of the cell. The constant metabolic activity of living cells necessitates a constant exchange of substances with their surroundings. The ion channels in the cell membrane are an important route for this exchange of substances. Most of the substances that are important for life are water-soluble, such as various ions and glucose, which need to enter the cell, while water-soluble waste products produced during life activities also need to leave the cell. The activity of ion channels is the ability of the cell to regulate the rate of entry and exit of corresponding substances through the opening and closing of ion channels, which is important for achieving various cellular functions. The permeability of biological membranes to ions is closely related to a variety of life activity processes. For example, the generation of receptor potentials, nerve excitation and conduction and the regulatory functions of the central nervous system, heart pulsation, smooth muscle peristalsis, skeletal muscle contraction, hormone secretion, photosynthesis and the formation of transmembrane proton gradients during oxidative phosphorylation. The study of ion channels is therefore of great importance in biological research and the development of related drugs.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the process of Ion channel analysis

Because of the important role of ion channels in the regulation of functions in living organisms, the investigation of the mechanisms of ion channels in cellular metabolism and material transport occupies an important place in biological research. Disruption of ion channel function can affect the metabolic mechanisms of cells and lead to disease in living organisms. The investigation of diseases associated with membrane proteins is inseparable from the analysis of protein-related interactions. Intermolecular interaction analysis has important applications in the identification of sites and in the improvement of ideas for the design of relevant targeted drugs. Here Creative Proteomics offer the SPR technology platform that can provide high-throughput protein-related interaction analysis services for use in your ion channel-related experimental projects. The general service flow and content of the SPR technology platform is as follows and we especially recommend you to consider our technology platform if you have ion channel related research.

Fig.1 BIAchip™ in the process of Ion channel analysis

With the high throughput and accuracy of intermolecular interaction analysis offered by our SPR technology platform, you can perform the following relevant studies.

• For exploration of the ion channel mechanism

Examples of channels are located on the surface of biological membranes and are primarily responsible for the exchange of material between the extracellular and intracellular compartments. These substances include mainly biological macromolecules such as proteins and sugars, small molecule compounds and cellular metabolic waste. So the process of studying the mechanisms for ion channels involves the analysis of the interactions between proteins and various types of substances. SPR technology not only allows for a wide range of samples to be analysed, but the advantages of high throughput minimise your analysis time when faced with large volumes and multiple types of analysis.

• For research on disease mechanisms

Based on the regulatory role of ion channels in their important metabolic functions, the study of relevant disease mechanisms also needs to start with the most basic ion channels. At the molecular level, the inactivation or disruption of ion channel transporter proteins affects the normal metabolic processes of cells. At the macroscopic level, this results in diseases of the living body. SPR technology platform therefore enables the analysis of protein-related interactions at the molecular level to help you study the mechanisms of relevant diseases.

• For development of related drugs

The important purpose of disease mechanism exploration is to provide ideas for the design and development of relevant drugs and to guide downstream research. High throughput protein-related interaction analysis is able to drive the drug development process through an efficient service that not only saves you time, but also reduces costs accordingly.

Choosing SPR technology platform of Creative Proteomics, you will greatly save time and money costs owing to high-throughput intermolecular interaction analysis servive about ion channels. 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.