Proteins and Small Molecule

Neurotransmission and the strength of a connection between neurons can depend on a variety of factors. This includes; the number of synaptic contacts between 2 neurons, the size of post-synaptic depolarization elicited by neurotransmitters and the probability of neurotransmitter release. Many neurological diseases can occur due to defective flow of neurotransmitters at neuronal synapses. This may result in no impulse reaching the post-synaptic neuron and therefore no responses are exerted by the neurotransmitter downstream.

These small molecules are designed to provide inhibit, amplify or modulate neurotransmission of specific receptors. This is key to understanding the root of dysfunctional neurotransmission common to diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, pain and other nervous system diseases/disorders.

A wide range of proteins including CDs, Cyclines, Ephs/Ehrins, Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Galectins, Cytokins and Chemokins, Leptins, Matrix Metallproteinases, Viral Antigens, Enzymes, Calcium Binding Proteins, Tyrosine Kinase Receptors, Cell Adhesion Proteins, and More

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) proteins are important supplements for cell culturing applications. They facilitate the attachment and cytoplasmic spreading of all types of anchorage-dependent cells. This include using to attach cells to substrates in 3-D cultures that enable an assay with more in vivo like properties.

ECM proteins facilitate cell growth, differentiation and migration enable adherence and give cultures tissue like tensile strength.

Recombinant viral antigens contain part of viral sequence meaning that the recombinant antigen contains a region which can be recognized by different antibodies produced by different individuals. This reduces the risk of false negatives which can occur with synthetic peptides, which contain only a small portion of the entire protein. If an individual infected with a viral antigen makes antibodies to a part of the protein not included in the synthetic peptides, a false negative results.

Recombinant viral protein usually contains a fusion protein/partner which produces superior attachment to assay surfaces such as wells. For this reason, smaller amounts of recombinant protein will produce the same results as larger amounts of unfused protein. The choice of fusion partner prevents false positives, allowing superior adhesion without incorrect results.

Applications include ELISA.  The ability to use these proteins ensure ELISAs are safe, specific and rapid. Even when a virus cannot be cultured, provided a gene sequence is available, it is possible to rapidly respond to emerging viruses and new viral strains of existing pathogens.