Nanodisc Transmembrane Proteins

Overview of Nanodisc-Displayed Transmembrane Proteins

In multi-pass transmembrane protein research, one of the biggest challenges in structural biology and drug development is obtaining membrane proteins that retain their native conformation and biological activity in vitro. Hydrophobic domains, low solubility, and structural instability often limit traditional preparation methods.

Beta LifeScience has developed a proprietary Nanodisc Display Technology Platform that enables efficient encapsulation and purification of full-length multi-pass membrane proteins. This platform delivers a highly stable, low-background, and well-controlled system for structural and functional studies of transmembrane proteins.

Technology Principle: Membrane-Mimetic Nanodisc Display

A Nanodisc is a membrane-mimetic complex composed of a phospholipid bilayer wrapped by membrane scaffold proteins (MSP). This architecture closely reproduces the native lipid bilayer environment, creating a stable, controllable, and physiologically relevant platform for embedding membrane proteins.

Within Beta LifeScience’s Nanodisc Display Platform, target multi-pass transmembrane proteins are first expressed in the HEK293 system, correctly folded, and inserted into the phospholipid bilayer. They are then stabilized by MSP to form disc-shaped complexes that:

• Preserve native conformation and epitope exposure of membrane proteins
• Enhance solubility and monodispersity in aqueous systems
• Maintain physiological activity under detergent-free conditions
• Enable compatibility with ELISA, SPR, BLI, Cryo-EM, and other analytical methods

This MSP-based Nanodisc system reproduces the spatial orientation and dynamic behavior of membrane proteins in a native-like lipid environment, making it an ideal model for functional studies, antibody screening, drug discovery, and high-resolution structural analysis.

Product Target Coverage

Beta LifeScience’s Nanodisc Display Platform has established multiple categories of multi-pass membrane protein products, including GPCRs, Claudin family members, tumor-associated membrane proteins, transporters, and ion channels. Representative targets include:

Beta LifeScience continues to expand its Nanodisc portfolio with additional GPCR subtypes, TSPAN family members, and ion channel proteins, while actively developing frontier targets such as RTKs, SLC transporters, immune-oncology receptors, and viral membrane proteins. Our goal is to build a comprehensive library of challenging, clinically relevant multi-pass membrane proteins for advanced biomedical research.

Validation and Quality Control

Every Nanodisc-displayed membrane protein from Beta LifeScience undergoes systematic validation to confirm structural integrity, native conformation, and biological activity.

Multi-Platform Functional Validation

• ELISA Assay – Confirms correct epitope presentation and dose-dependent binding (e.g., Human A2AR Nanodisc, EC₅₀ = 0.15 µg/mL).
• SPR Analysis – Measures receptor–ligand affinity (e.g., Human A2AR Nanodisc, K_d = 0.32 nM).
• BLI Analysis – Further verifies kinetic characteristics (e.g., Human A2AR Nanodisc, K_d = 4.44 nM).

Site-Specific Biotinylated Nanodisc Proteins

To accelerate antibody and bispecific antibody (BsAb) development, Beta LifeScience provides site-specific biotinylated Nanodisc membrane proteins. These proteins are engineered so that the biotin tag is positioned away from key antigenic epitopes, eliminating steric hindrance and preserving binding performance.

Biotinylated Nanodisc proteins offer:

• Enhanced sensitivity and signal stability
• Superior binding specificity to antibodies
• Seamless compatibility with ELISA development, pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) studies, and immune complex detection

Advantages of Beta LifeScience’s Nanodisc Membrane Protein Products

Built on phospholipid bilayers and MSP scaffolds, the Beta LifeScience Nanodisc Display Platform provides a robust, end-to-end solution from structural integrity to functional validation:

• Native Conformation & High Stability – Maintains correct folding and membrane orientation within a lipid bilayer.
• HEK293 Eukaryotic Expression – Ensures proper folding, glycosylation, and biological activity.
• Low Endotoxin Levels – <1 EU/µg (with some batches <0.1 EU/µg), suitable for animal studies and cell-based assays.
• Multi-Platform Validation – Verified via ELISA, SPR, and BLI, often showing sub-nanomolar binding affinities.
• Biotinylated Versions Available – Site-specific labeling avoids epitope masking, ideal for BsAb development and PK/PD studies.
• Broad Assay Compatibility – Ready-to-use in SPR, BLI, ELISA, Cryo-EM, and a wide range of functional assays.

Application Scenarios

Summary

Beta LifeScience’s Nanodisc Platform precisely reconstructs the native conformation of membrane proteins within a phospholipid bilayer, providing researchers with ready-to-use, high-purity, and high-activity Nanodisc membrane proteins.

Each product is validated via ELISA, SPR, and BLI to ensure biological activity, batch-to-batch consistency, and robust assay performance. Whether your work focuses on antibody discovery, ligand screening, structural biology, or mechanistic studies, the Nanodisc Protein Series delivers exceptional stability and functional fidelity to drive the next generation of membrane protein research and innovative drug development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)