Transmembrane Protein Expression Service
Transmembrane proteins play crucial roles in signal transduction, substance transport, and cell–cell interactions. However, their multiple hydrophobic transmembrane segments and complex folding make expression and purification challenging. Creative Diagnostics specializes in the efficient expression and preparation of multi-pass membrane proteins—such as four-pass Claudin tight junction proteins, seven-pass GPCRs, and SLC family transporters—supporting structural and functional studies, drug screening, and antibody development. Utilizing VLP, Detergent, and Nanodisc platforms, we optimize vector design, host systems, and purification workflows to deliver correctly folded, highly active proteins.
Service Offerings
We provide an end-to-end solution for transmembrane protein expression and purification:
- Platform selection—choose among VLP, Detergent, or Nanodisc systems to ensure proper folding and stability;
- Coverage of diverse targets—including four-pass proteins, seven-pass GPCRs, and SLC transporters;
- Custom expression—optimize vectors, host cells (yeast, insect, or mammalian), and induction conditions for challenging topologies;
- Purification and QC—apply affinity chromatography, ion exchange, and size-exclusion steps, then verify purity and activity by SDS-PAGE, SEC-MALS, and binding assays;
- Downstream compatibility—deliver proteins ready for crystallography, cryo-EM, SPR, or antibody screening.
| VLP Platform | Detergent Platform | Nanodisc Platform | |
| Stability | Protein embedded in viral-like shell for excellent conformational stability | Mild detergents maintain solubility; stable but requires careful reconstitution | Lipid-bilayer nanodisc mimics native membrane for high transmembrane stability |
| Purity Level | Mixture | Pure (target protein only) | Pure (target protein only) |
| Bioactivity | Retains near-native membrane binding activity | Good activity but may incur slight conformational changes after detergent removal | Preserves function closest to native membrane protein |
| ELISA Coating | Supported | Requires optimization of coating conditions | Supported |
| Advantages | Recreates natural membrane environment, preserves native protein conformation | Mature purification workflow with high recovery | Monodisperse particles ideal for diverse downstream analyses |
| Limitations | Platform setup and optimization are time-consuming and relatively costly | Difficult to reconstitute after detergent removal, potentially affecting activity | Complex nanodisc assembly and purification, higher production cost |
Key Advantages
- Professional platform support: VLP for membrane mimicry, Detergent for efficient solubilization, Nanodisc for lipid-bilayer stability—each tailored to different protein characteristics
- Broad target coverage: extensive experience with Claudins, GPCRs, SLCs, and other critical membrane proteins
- Flexible customization: from gene synthesis and vector design to expression condition optimization for specialized topologies and functionalities
- Rigorous quality control: continuous monitoring of expression yields, purity, monodispersity, and functional activity
- Rapid delivery: standardized, modular workflows deliver high-quality membrane proteins in a short timeframe
Workflow
Discuss target protein, research goals, and application to recommend the best platform
Synthesize codon-optimized gene fragments and clone into suitable vectors
Screen host cells and induction conditions, adjusting inducer concentration and temperature
Perform multistep purification, evaluate purity and monodispersity (SEC), and confirm functional binding
Formulate appropriate buffers and provide application guidance
Supply purified protein, QC report, and ongoing technical consultation
Typical Applications
- Membrane protein structure determination (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)
- Small-molecule or antibody drug screening and binding studies
- Kinetic analysis of protein–ligand interactions (SPR, MST)
- Functional and signaling pathway research of transmembrane proteins
- Immunogenicity and vaccine adjuvant development
For detailed protocols or customized transmembrane protein solutions, please contact our technical support team.
