We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Lipid Nanoparticles Make Membrane Proteins Available for Drug Development

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Jul 2009
A nanoparticle approach that allows researchers to solubilize and then stabilize integral membrane proteins may open the way to 30% more proteins being available as potential targets for drug development.

Membrane proteins, especially receptors that span the cell membrane, are among the most desirable of drug targets. More...
However, difficulties in isolating and stabilizing these proteins have prevented drug developers from making significant progress in this regard. Membrane proteins generally lose their biological activity when the purification process destroys their three-dimensional structure.

Investigators at the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) and the University of Warwick (United Kingdom) believe they have found a method that solves membrane protein problem. They created bilayer disks formed by phospholipids and styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMALPs for short). These nanoparticles are 11 nm in diameter, monodispersed in aqueous solution, biocompatible, and thermostable. A solution containing these particles is able to both solubilize membrane proteins and preserve their functional and structural integrity. These properties, as reported in the May 18, 2009, edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), extend to even alpha-helical and beta-barrel transmembrane proteins.

Senior author Dr. Michael Overduin, professor of structural biology at the University of Birmingham, said, "We have shown how a polymer can wrap around and preserve membrane proteins intact in stable nanoparticles. Membrane proteins are the most valuable but technically challenging targets for drug discovery. Finding a gentle solution that preserves their structure and activity, yet is robust enough for experimental interrogation, has eluded scientists for decades, but is now available."

Related Links:
University of Birmingham
University of Warwick



Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Platelet Function Analyzer
PL-12
Electrolyte Analyzer
BKE-B
New
Portable POCT Blood Gas Analyzer
BD100
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.