Protein Analysis
Protein analysis methods include a broad range of experimental techniques for the detection, purification and identification of proteins, as well as the characterization of protein structure and function. Protein analysis methods may also be more broad-based, involving analysis of the entire protein complement of a cell, tissue, or organism under a specific, defined set of conditions.
Several methods are currently used to characterize protein structure, determine protein function, identify, and verify protein interactions and quantitate protein expression levels. Promega’s unique portfolio of protein analysis laboratory products include mass spec proteases, protein purification tags/resins and fluorescent ligands, cell-free and cell-based protein expression systems, and novel methods for detecting and studying proteins at endogenous expression levels.
What is Protein Analysis?
Proteins differ from each other in their size, molecular structure and physiochemical properties. These differences allow for protein analysis and characterization by separation and identification.
Proteins are typically separated by electrophoresis, where they are differentiated by size or mass, and isoelectric focusing, where proteins are separated by charge. Protein identification by mass spectrometry involves ionization of molecules to determine their mass-to-charge ratio. Identification can also be done via amino acid sequencing by Edman degradation, crystal imaging and surface plasmon resonance. With so many options available, laboratories typically use multiple strategies for protein analysis and characterization.
Protein expression, purification, labeling, characterization and identification are core methods that are used across a host of molecular biology applications including the development and characterization of biotherapeutic antibodies, and analysis of protein:protein and protein:drug interactions in vitro and in vivo. Molecular tools used for protein analysis are similarly varied, including in vitro protein expression systems, protein purification and pull-down systems, trypsin and other proteases for mass spectrometry, and specific molecular tags for monitoring and imaging proteins in cells.
Protein Analysis Product Categories
Immunoassays
Lumit® assays for fast, bioluminescent immunodetection, as well as primary and secondary antibodies and blotting reagents.
Mass Spectrometry
Trypsin, alternative proteases and reference reagents for mass spec.
Protein Detection
Products to detect and quantify proteins in cells or cell extracts. Includes the bioluminescent HiBiT Protein Tagging System.
Protein Expression
Cell-free and cell-based protein expression systems. Kits for expression from plasmid DNA, RNA or PCR DNA.
Protein Interactions
BRET, HaloTag and GST-based protein pull-down and interaction assays.
Protein Purification
HaloTag, polyhistidine (His tag), magnetic and GST-based protein purification systems.
