27 Proteomics, Genomics & Microarrays Rapid membrane protein synthesis accelerates drug discovery


Nuclera has enhanced its eProtein Discovery™ system with a dedicated membrane protein production workfl ow, enabling researchers to express and purify functional membrane proteins in just 48 hours. This advancement opens the door to faster discovery of drug targets and improved structural biology pipelines by tackling one of the most complex areas of protein science.


Membrane proteins are critical to cellular function and represent targets for over 60% of FDA-approved drugs. Yet their production remains notoriously diffi cult due to their hydrophobic nature and structural complexity. Nuclera’s expanded eProtein Discovery capabilities address this bottleneck by integrating cell-free expression, digital microfl uidics, and tailored additive screening to produce soluble, correctly folded membrane proteins ready for downstream applications such as cryo-EM.


To demonstrate this capability, Nuclera synthesised two well-characterised membrane proteins: the transporter MsbA and the integral membrane protein ZMPSTE24. Within 24 hours, the platform screened multiple conditions using nanodiscs, detergents, and lipid additives to identify optimal solubility and stability conditions. Both proteins were then scaled up to functional quantities within 48 hours, with high yield and quality suitable for structural and functional analyses.


Dr Toby Ost, SVP of Product Development at Nuclera, commented: “Membrane proteins have traditionally been diffi cult to work with, often yielding misfolded or inactive products. With this update, eProtein Discovery empowers researchers to overcome those barriers and accelerate their experimental timelines.”


Dr Konstantinos Beis, Reader in Membrane Protein Structural Biology at Imperial College London, added: “We evaluated membrane proteins produced with the eProtein Discovery system through Imperial Consultants. The results look promising - this could be a valuable tool for the community.”


The membrane protein workfl ow is available immediately to all current eProtein Discovery users via a software update. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/EDqw


Expanded kit range enhances AAV vector characterisation


Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc has introduced Vericheck ddPCR™ Empty-Full Capsid Kits for adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes 2 and 8. These kits enable accurate quantifi cation of capsid titre, genome titre, and the percentage of full capsids in both purifi ed and unpurifi ed samples, supporting reliable AAV vector characterisation.


Expanding on the existing kits for AAV5 and AAV9, the new additions increase coverage to approximately 70% of the AAV gene therapy market. AAV2, the most commonly used serotype in clinical trials, and AAV8, with its distinct tissue-targeting properties, allow for tailored gene therapy applications.


Powered by Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital™ PCR technology, the Vericheck ddPCR kits deliver absolute quantifi cation with minimal sample volume. Designed for use with crude lysate or purifi ed AAV preparations, they provide robust, reproducible data to assess critical quality attributes (CQAs) in AAV vector production. The kits ensure consistent measurement across production workfl ows, aligning with regulatory guidelines to streamline gene therapy development.


“AAVs are highly effective gene therapy vectors due to their broad tropism and nonpathogenic nature,” said Steve Kulisch, Vice President of Product Management, Digital Biology Group, Bio-Rad Laboratories. “By expanding our Vericheck ddPCR Empty-Full Capsid Kit portfolio to include four key AAV serotypes, we offer researchers a cost-effective, precise, and accessible solution for AAV vector characterisation.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/plNj 64224pr@reply-direct.com


ADVERTORIAL Automated liquid handling accelerates SLC drug discovery


Biotech start-up Solgate, based in Klosterneuburg, Austria, is advancing drug discovery targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters by harnessing Integra Biosciences’ automated liquid handling technology. SLC transporters, a critical yet underexplored group of membrane proteins, regulate the movement of nutrients, ions, metabolites, and signalling molecules across cell membranes and are implicated in diseases such as metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and immune dysfunction.


Solgate focuses on developing high-throughput screening assays to identify small molecules that modulate SLC activity, aiming to progress these candidates into effective therapeutics. To enhance effi ciency and reliability, the company has integrated ASSIST PLUS automated pipetting workstations and VIAFLO electronic pipettes into its workfl ows.


“Handling hundreds of plates across multiple drug discovery pipelines poses challenges for maintaining reproducibility,” said Georgi Dimchev, Senior Scientist at Solgate. “Manual pipetting can introduce variability, so automating liquid handling is key to ensuring consistent, reliable results.”


64856pr@reply-direct.com


Regularly repeated experiments particularly benefi t from automation, which delivers precise reagent dispensing and gentle handling of sensitive cell cultures, preserving data integrity. Research Associate Ivana Rinklake highlighted the value of Integra’s systems: “ASSIST PLUS and VIAFLO provide the scalability and accuracy we need. Whether you’re a start- up or a larger research lab, these tools help accelerate scientifi c progress and have been essential in establishing a robust, scalable screening platform.”


By integrating Integra’s automated solutions, Solgate is well-positioned to fast-track the discovery and development of novel SLC- targeting therapies.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/LwMO 64789pr@reply-direct.com


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