Featured Proteomics Solutions

Featured Solutions

What Is Proteomics?

Proteomics is the study of the proteome, or the systematic, large-scale study of a complete set of proteins produced by an organism, tissue, or cell line. A variety of techniques are used to understand the function of proteins and how they interact with each other.

Both protein expression technologies and proteomics tools, instruments and equipment, and supplies enable scientists to study and analyze a wide variety of proteins.

What Is a Proteome?

A proteome is the entire set of proteins expressed by a cell line, tissue, or organism. The same term is also used to describe various proteins produced from certain cell or tissue types at a particular time.

The proteome of an organism is the expression of its genome. While the genome remains stable, the proteome is dynamic and changes in response to internal and external factors.

What Is Protein Expression?

Protein expression is the process of generating a specific protein by manipulating the gene expression in a living organism. The organisms used for protein expression must be easy to culture and maintain, grow rapidly, and produce large amounts of protein.

Why Is Proteomics Important?

Proteomics is important because by studying proteins within cells we can gain more knowledge about how cellular life functions. It is the proteins within the cell that provide the structure, produce energy, and allow communication, movement, and reproduction.

While knowing and understanding the human genome and genomics is important, this genetic information is static. Proteomics explores the dynamic nature of proteins and expands our understanding of how altered protein expression can result in diseased states. It can be used for prognostic and diagnostic purposes.

Additionally, by understanding protein markers better, more targeted approaches can be used for therapeutic treatment plans and to develop more effective drugs.

By combining proteomics with genomics, biomedical research will be able to advance its development of diagnostic and therapeutic products.

What Tools Are Used in Proteomics?

Proteomics tools commonly used include:

• Western blot – Detects specific protein molecules in a mixture of proteins.
• Chromatography – Separates complex mixtures at a high speed and provides high-resolution and high sensitivity.
• Mass spectrometry – Identifies and quantifies proteins by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions.
• Protein arrays – Capable of identifying proteins, protein interactions, antibody-antigen interactions, and enzyme-substrate interactions.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) – A plate-based assay capable of detecting and quantifying proteins.

Source High-Quality Proteomics Tools at Avantor

Whether your lab team works to identify proteins or analyze complex mixtures of proteins, Avantor carries the proteomics tools, equipment, and products necessary for highly efficient processes and reliable results. We also offer proteomics resources to help make your scientific vision a reality.

Find out more about how Avantor Services can support your lab.

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What Is a Protein Expression System?

A protein expression system is a genetic construct designed to produce a protein. Protein expression systems are used in research and are also used to produce antibodies, vaccines, and enzymes commercially.

What Is the Difference Between Protein Expression and Protein Purification?

The difference between protein expression and protein purification is that protein expression is the process of producing proteins while protein purification is the process of isolating proteins of interest.

The level of purity needed corresponds to the end use of the protein. A purity of 90-95% may qualify a protein for research purposes, but proteins meant for use in pharmaceutical applications require purity levels up to 99.99%.

The purification workflow follows several steps:

1. Protein is extracted from cells by lysing.
2. A centrifuge separates soluble from insoluble components.
3. Chromatography purifies the protein.
4. Protein is quantified and checked for purity.

What Is the Purpose of Protein Expression?

The purpose of protein expression is to manufacture a functional protein in a laboratory that can be used for research or commercial use. Protein expression technology may be accomplished using protein expression kits designed for specific types of expression.

Various cell types can be used for protein expression, including:

• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Insect
• Mammalian

Protein expression can also be done by using a cell-free protein expression system.

Large-scale recombinant protein expression is used to produce enzymes, antibodies, or vaccines. This type of protein production requires a high volume, and the system must make it easy to culture, maintain, and grow proteins rapidly.

Shop the Best Products for Protein Expression Technology

We carry innovative protein expression products from trusted suppliers at Avantor. Shop a wide range of high-performance lab equipment, tools and supplies for protein expression systems.

Avantor also delivers the best values in the marketplace. Look through our portfolio of exclusive brands or work with us for a tailored approach. Avantor can help you set science in motion with our additional services.

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What is Western Blot?

Western blot, or western blotting, is a process that detects specific proteins in a complex mixture of proteins extracted from cells or tissues.

Western blot originated in the late 1970s and is now a routine protein analysis technique used extensively by biochemists, molecular biologists, and cell biologists. The method results in both qualitative and semi-qualitative data and is helpful in a wide range of applications, including:

• Lyme disease
• BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy)

The three main steps in the workflow are separation by size, transfer to stable support, and visualization using appropriate primary and secondary antibodies.

Step one: Separation by size

Scientists and technicians use protein gel electrophoresis to separate protein mixtures according to the molecular weight of each component protein.

Step two: Transfer to stable support

After the proteins have been separated, they are transferred to a stable support membrane using a blotting apparatus.

Step three: Visualization with primary and secondary antibodies

In step three, antibodies specific to the protein of interest bind and are detected after the film is developed or digital images are processed.

How to Choose Your Western Blot Equipment

Reliable results may depend on using the proper western blotting protocol specific to your western blot equipment. Blotting kits simplify the purchasing process and include all necessary components to transfer protein, DNA, or RNA samples onto membranes for staining.

Avantor® can deliver individual components from various equipment, products, and supplies to help create a solution that supports your workflow.

What Is Protein Electrophoresis?

Protein electrophoresis is a laboratory technique in which charged protein molecules are separated according to physical factors by an electrical current that forces them to move through a gel. Protein gel electrophoresis is used in many proteomic analyses, including western blot, and helps identify various diseases. Protein electrophoresis is used to diagnose a type of cancer called myeloma, or multiple myeloma. It can also be used to diagnose other conditions, including:

• Waldenström macroglobulinemia
• Primary amyloidosis
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Thyroid problems
• Liver diseases
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Nutrient absorption inability or poor nutrition

Selecting the Right Protein Gel for Your Research Application

Select the gel that’s best for your protein electrophoresis experiment by matching gel features to your needs. Consider your requirements for the following options:

• Sample type
• Gel format
• Compatible gel tank
• Gel chemistry
• Sample volume
• Separation type
• Well format
• Separation range
• Number of wells

Protein Extraction & Sample Prep

Quality data depends on high-quality sample preparation. Find everything you need to prepare high-integrity protein samples and successfully extract them.