Introduction:
Very little is actually known about the 3D structure of the membrane-bound proteins. The pharmacological relevance of such proteins e.g. G protein-coupled receptors is clearly illustrated by the fact that the majority of today's medicines act via these proteins. Knowledge on the 3D structure of the target strongly facilitates the design of new drugs. However, biophysical techniques to study the architecture of membrane proteins require substantial amounts of protein of sufficient purity. To this end the membrane protein laboratory is set up at the Leiden premises of the LACDR, supervised by Margot Beukers with the assistance of professors Wim de Grip and Ad IJzerman. Financial support was obtained from Leiden University and MIBITON.

Facility:
The membrane protein lab houses equipment for the production, purification and characterization of membrane-bound proteins. This includes a modular set of fermentors, a continuous-flow centrifuge, protein purification systems, and spectrometers for radioactivity and fluorescence (see picture). The facility is dedicated to high quality production of membrane-bound proteins. It is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and operates at a level very close to GRP/GLP standards.

Contact:
For more information and advice on the production, isolation and purification of functional membrane-bound proteins and on our competitive prices, please contact Margot Beukers.