Risk-Free Commitment — No expression, no fee
Transmembrane Protein Expression Service
Full-length multipass proteins · GPCRs · Ion channels · Claudins
Native conformation in VLP · Detergent · Nanodisc · Cell-Free platforms
Native conformation in VLP · Detergent · Nanodisc · Cell-Free platforms
Core Technology Platforms
VLP Platform
Virus-like particles displaying native membrane proteins in their natural lipid environment.
Immunization · ELISA · Antibody screening
Detergent Platform
Purified protein in detergent micelles for biochemical and biophysical assays.
SPR · BLI · Crystallography
Nanodisc Platform
Membrane scaffold protein (MSP) stabilized discs – no detergent interference.
SPR · NMR · Cell assays · Drug binding
Cell-Free Platform
Rapid synthesis in nanodiscs/detergents without host toxicity – ideal for toxic MPs.
Fast screening · Toxic proteins · Unnatural AAs
Customized platform selection based on your downstream application.
Expression System & Protein Format
Expression System
Mammalian cell (HEK293) — preferred for correct folding, post-translational modifications, and functional activity.
Other systems (Insect, Yeast) available upon request – please inquire.
Protein Format
Full-length multipass transmembrane proteins — our core expertise.
- GPCRs (7-TM)
- Ion channels (2-24 TM)
- Claudins / Tetraspanins (4-TM)
- Transporters (10-14 TM)
Application Scenarios
Antibody Drug Discovery
Immunogen generation (VLP), antibody screening, and epitope mapping.
Small Molecule Screening
SPR/BLI binding assays, compound library screening against ion channels/GPCRs.
Structural Biology
Protein stabilization for cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, and NMR studies.
Transmembrane vs. Conventional Proteins
| Property | Transmembrane Proteins | Conventional Soluble Proteins |
|---|---|---|
| Expression level | Typically low (0.1–2 mg/L in mammalians) | High (10–500 mg/L) |
| Folding complexity | High – requires lipid environment & chaperones | Moderate – aqueous folding |
| Purification challenge | Detergent selection, stabilization, activity preservation | Standard affinity chromatography |
| Downstream assays | Need specialized platforms (VLP, Nanodisc, Detergent) | Direct ELISA, SPR, enzymatic assays |
| Our specialization | Full-length multipass → native conformation guaranteed | Standard service also available |
Service Process & Platform Lead Times
| Step | Content | VLP | Detergent | Nanodisc | Cell-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Gene synthesis & codon optimization (mammalian) | 1–2 weeks | |||
| Step 2 | Vector construction & transfection (HEK293) | 2–3 wks | 2–3 wks | 2–3 wks | N/A |
| Step 3 | Small-scale expression screening | 1–2 wks | 1–2 wks | 1–2 wks | 1 day |
| Step 4 | Scale-up & protein extraction/purification | 1–2 wks | 1–2 wks | 1–2 wks | 1–2 wks |
| Step 5 | QC & delivery (SDS-PAGE, WB, activity) | 3–7 days | 3–7 days | 3–7 days | 3–7 days |
| Total estimated timeline | 5–7 weeks | 5–7 weeks | 5–7 weeks | 2–4 weeks | |
Timelines are estimates; actual duration depends on protein complexity. Expression yield varies by target – see representative cases below.
Representative Case Study
Claudin-18.2 (4‑transmembrane) – Full-length expression in HEK293
Challenge: Low expression yield, aggregation during purification, loss of native conformation for antibody binding.
Optimization strategy: Codon optimization + C-terminal GFP fusion to monitor expression; screened 4 detergents (DDM, LMNG, GDN, FC-12); adopted Nanodisc platform for stabilization.
Result: Purified yield >2 mg/L (Nanodisc), purity >90% by SEC-HPLC, EC50 = 0.028 μg/ml in ELISA with clinical antibody, validated by SPR (Kd = 2.3 nM).
GPCR (5-HT₂A, 7‑TM) – VLP & Detergent comparison
Challenge: Low stability in detergents, loss of ligand-binding activity.
Optimization strategy: Co-expression with chaperone (Calnexin); tested thermostabilizing mutations (M1); VLP for immunization, detergent for SPR.
Result: VLP yield 0.5 mg/L (functional ELISA positive); detergent-purified protein bound selective ligand with Kd = 12 nM (SPR).
Additional case data available upon request. Confidentiality assured.
Our Commitment
No expression → No charge
We guarantee successful expression of your transmembrane target in the chosen platform, or the service is provided free of charge.*
*Terms apply, limited to qualified targets. Contact us for feasibility assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform should I choose for antibody generation?
VLP platform is highly recommended – native conformation displayed on viral surface, strong immune response. Nanodisc also works for immunization but VLP is most established for in vivo antibody discovery.
What is the typical yield for full-length GPCRs?
Yield varies significantly by target (0.1–2 mg/L in HEK293). We provide an upfront feasibility evaluation based on your sequence before project start.
Do you offer membrane protein for cryo-EM?
Yes – we can deliver purified protein in detergents or nanodiscs compatible with cryo-EM sample preparation. Final concentration and purity tailored to grid requirements.
What is the advantage of Cell-Free for transmembrane proteins?
Cell-free eliminates host toxicity, allows direct synthesis into nanodiscs/detergents, and enables rapid screening of multiple constructs (2–4 weeks total). Ideal for toxic or hard-to-express MPs.
Do you provide stable cell lines?
Yes – stable HEK293 pools or clonal lines are available upon request for long-term supply of your membrane protein.
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