Membrane Protein Research Based on SPR Technology

The role of membrane protein in cells

The protein contained in the biological membrane is called membrane protein, which is the main undertaker of the function of the biological membrane. According to the difficulty of protein separation and the location in the membrane, membrane proteins can be basically divided into three categories: peripheral membrane proteins, internal membrane proteins and lipid-anchored proteins. Membrane proteins include glycoproteins, carrier proteins and enzymes. Usually, some sugars are attached to the membrane protein, and these sugars are equivalent to transmitting signals into the cell through changes in the molecular structure of the sugar itself. In cells, the most important task that membrane proteins are responsible for is the transportation of materials inside and outside the cell. Therefore, the function of membrane protein is closely related to the metabolic function of the cell. Metabolism is of great significance to the life activities of the human body. Because when the metabolism is disturbed, the human body will have corresponding diseases. Intermolecular interaction detection can realize the exploration of membrane protein mechanism at the molecular level.

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the distribution of membrane proteins on the cell membrane surface

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in membrane protein research

The study of membrane proteins is part of metabolomics research and focuses on two main areas, ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors. The physiological functions of membrane proteins will affect cell metabolism, and the imbalance of the interaction of membrane proteins will eventually lead to metabolic-related diseases. Therefore, the study of the mechanism of membrane proteins is the most basic and necessary. If you are interested in the study of the mechanism of membrane proteins, you can consider choosing our SPR technology platform to realize the study of the mechanism of membrane proteins at the molecular level.

Fig.2 The example of BIAchip™ in the process of analysis and research of glycoproteins in membrane proteins 

As shown in the figure above, taking the exploration of glycoprotein mechanisms in membrane proteins as an example, SPR technology can perform glycoform analysis and glycosylation site screening through high-throughput intermolecular interaction detection. In addition to glycoproteins, SPR is also applicable to the mechanism research of other membrane proteins, including carrier proteins, some special enzymes, etc. Based on the analysis of membrane proteins, it is estimated that a protein-based chip should be mainly selected. In addition to standardized chips, if your research has special needs, we can also provide you with chip customization services.

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