Recombinant Transmembrane Proteins

Transmembrane proteins play essential roles in many physiological processes, from molecular transport and signal transduction to cell recognition, anchoring, and interprotein communication. When these proteins malfunction, the consequences are directly linked to the onset and progression of numerous diseases. Their central role in cell signaling and disease biology also makes transmembrane proteins some of the most important drug discovery targets—accounting for nearly 50% of all known therapeutic targets.

Despite their importance, transmembrane proteins remain one of the most technically challenging protein classes to work with. Their naturally low expression levels, hydrophobic surfaces, and sensitivity during solubilization or purification can make it difficult to obtain full-length, properly folded, biologically active proteins for research.

Beta LifeScience specializes in overcoming these challenges. We focus on the development and production of multi-pass transmembrane proteins and have built three advanced expression platforms to deliver high-quality, ready-to-use membrane protein reagents for early-stage drug discovery. Our growing portfolio includes multiple clinically relevant families—such as Claudins, GPCRs, and SLC transporters—and features a broad range of high-value research targets:

Tetraspan Proteins (4TM): Claudin18.1 / 18.2, Claudin-6, CD20, CD9
Heptahelical Proteins (7TM): GPRC5D, CXCR4, SSTR2, GLP1R, CCR5, CCR8

We also offer custom expression services for high-purity, high-activity multi-pass transmembrane proteins, supporting antibody discovery, drug screening, mechanistic studies, and translational research.

What Is a Transmembrane Protein?

Transmembrane proteins are integral membrane proteins that span the lipid bilayer and connect the intracellular and extracellular environments. They mediate essential cellular functions, including signal transduction, molecular transport, and communication between cells and their surroundings. Based on the number of transmembrane helices, they are broadly categorized into single-pass and multi-pass proteins.

Common functional classes include:

• Receptors: GPCRs, EGFR, VEGFR, TGF-βR

• Ion Channels: Calcium, sodium, and chloride channels

• Transporters: ABC transporters, GLUT family

• Adhesion Molecules: Integrins, Cadherins, Selectins

• Immune Checkpoints: PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, CD47

Because transmembrane proteins govern cellular communication, homeostasis, and immune regulation, they have become indispensable in modern drug discovery and therapeutic antibody development.

Challenges in Transmembrane Protein Research

Although transmembrane proteins make up nearly one-third of the human proteome, their hydrophobic domains and complex architecture make them difficult to express, solubilize, and purify while retaining native structure and activity.

Researchers often face challenges such as:

• Difficulty obtaining full-length proteins with correct conformation

• Structural disruption during detergent solubilization or purification

• Batch-to-batch variability across expression systems

• Limited availability of proteins suitable for structural biology, drug screening, or antibody development

To address these obstacles, Beta LifeScience has engineered an integrated R&D and production system designed specifically for multi-pass transmembrane proteins—helping researchers bypass technical limitations and obtain consistent, application-ready results.

Why Choose Beta LifeScience’s Transmembrane Proteins?

With deep expertise in membrane protein engineering, Beta LifeScience delivers recombinant transmembrane proteins that preserve native structure and exhibit reliable biological functionality—tailored for both discovery research and therapeutic development.

Key Advantages

• Native Structure Retention: Stabilized using biomimetic environments such as VLPs, Nanodiscs, or optimized detergent micelles to maintain correct topology.

• Functional Validation: Verified via ELISA, SPR/BLI, ligand-binding assays, and other method-appropriate tests.

• High Purity & Low Endotoxin: Purity ≥95%; endotoxin levels <1 EU/µg.

• Flexible Format Options: Available in VLP, Nanodisc, and detergent-solubilized formats.

• Exceptional Consistency: Standardized HEK293 expression platforms ensure reproducible results across batches.

• Custom Engineering: Fully tailored constructs available—including tag type, truncations, mutations, and host cell line choices.

Top Applications of Transmembrane Proteins in Research

Transmembrane proteins are central to nearly every aspect of biomedical science. Their structural complexity and functional diversity make them powerful tools in drug discovery, cellular biology, and diagnostic development.

Drug Target Identification & Development

More than 60% of approved drugs act on transmembrane proteins—particularly GPCRs, ion channels, and receptor tyrosine kinases. High-quality membrane proteins enable precise drug screening and structure-based design.

Signal Transduction Research

Transmembrane receptors drive key signaling pathways. Studying them provides insights into how cells perceive external cues and how these signals become altered in disease.

Structural Biology & Protein Engineering

Cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography rely on stable, full-length membrane proteins. These structures support rational design of engineered receptors, biosensors, and next-generation therapeutics.

Diagnostics & Biomarker Discovery

Proteins such as PD-L1, HER2, and ACE2 serve as diagnostic markers for cancer, infectious diseases, and immune disorders. High-quality recombinant versions enable assay development and clinical research.

Cell Biology & Therapeutic Mechanism Studies

Transmembrane proteins are used to explore cell adhesion, membrane transport, receptor internalization, and targeted drug delivery—including antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) pathways.