Protein Characterization

Is your protein of interest differentially regulated? If so, is it regulated by differential expression (up-/downregulation by factor X) or by post-translational modification? How pure is your overexpressed, recombinant protein?

We offer different powerful research services combined with our long-term hands-on experience. The analysis can be performed based on gel electrophoresis or mass spectrometry as well as in combination of both methods.

Quantification

Differences in protein expression are usually smaller compared to the ratios in gene expression (producing a protein is "much more costly"). However, even small changes in the expression of a certain protein may have high impact on molecular interaction (e.g. regulatory proteins). It therefore is crucial that quantitative changes in protein expression are precisely determined using reliable methods.

• • How much of protein X does the sample contain?
• • Is protein X differentially expressed under different conditions?
• • What are the relative changes in expression of protein X?

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Identification

Accurate and reliable protein identification is fundamental for further scientific research.

• • What is the context of molecular action of the protein of interest?
• • What are the known protein interaction partners?
• • Does your antibody detect exclusively the protein of interest in Western blot experiments?

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Modification

Post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) are important molecular tools, regulating protein function. Some PTMs are reversible and act as quick "on/off" switches, regulating enzymatic activity of the protein or mediating the changes in protein conformation.

• • Is your protein of interest modified and if so, by which PTM?
• • What are the conditions, affecting occurence of PTMs?

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Purity

Host Cell Protein Expression Systems are often used for pharmaceutical production of the protein-based therapeutics. Apart from recombinant protein of interest, other proteins are also produced by the host organism. This can result in protein contamination, which can be identified and successfully minimized.

Protein aggeregation is a serious problem for biosensors (e.g. continuous blood glucose monitor) and other implanted devices. Protein aggregates can be deposited on the biosensor surface, leading to reduced performance or complete failure of device. Our services can address and tackle the following questions:

• • What is the degree of purity of the protein?
• • What is the composition of protein impurities?
• • How can protein impurities be minimized?

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