Ion Channel Binding Assays
Creative Bioarray is committed to providing clients with best-in-class ion channel binding assay services to help them determine the interaction and affinity of specific compounds with ion channels of interest. We have years of research experience in ligand binding assays and we are confident to provide you with the highest assay robustness.
Introduction
A number of ligands have been identified that bind to ion channels or accessory proteins to activate or modulate their function. Therefore, detection and analysis of the binding affinity of compounds to ion channels are helpful to facilitate the screening of ion channel modulators. Typically, ligands are radiolabeled and compounds are identified that competitively displaced or allosterically affected ligand binding to the ion channel. These techniques have been successfully used to discover calcium channel blockers and NMDA receptor antagonists. Ligand binding assays have also been shown to be useful for identifying compounds with undesirable pharmacological properties.
This assay has the advantage of being low-cost and suitable for a high-throughput format and has broad application in ion channel screening. However, the binding assay measures the binding affinity of the compound, rather than the ion channel modulation ability. Therefore, results from other assays need to be combined to obtain comprehensive information for ion channel screening.
Fig. 1 Characterization of the TREK-1 lipid binding site. (Cabanos, 2017)
Ion Flux Assays
Our research team provides clients with ligand-binding assays for various ion channels using a variety of methods, such as heterogeneous binding assays employing radioligands, homogeneous binding assays employing radioligands, homogeneous binding assays employing fluorescently labeled ligands and fluorescence polarization, and cell-free bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay. Our highly skilled technicians strictly control the quality of reagents in the assay and ensure reliable data reproducibility. Our services include but not limited to:
- Radioligand binding assays of various ion channels, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium channels.
- Fluorescence-based ligand-binding assay of various ion channels.
- Determination of soluble ion channel binding for screening allosteric regulators.
- Characterization of the binding affinities of signaling lipids to ion channels.
Applications
- Establishment of a complete overview of the compound's in vitro pharmacology
- Identification of novel active chemical molecules
- Screening of potent allosteric modulators of ion channels
- Identification of compounds with undesirable pharmacological properties
- Primary drug screening
As a leading company providing excellent ion channel screening services, Creative Bioarray has the strength to provide clients with detailed ion channel binding assay services and submit high-quality test results in a short time. Our scientists with professional backgrounds will work closely with you and meet any of your scientific needs, effectively helping you detect the binding affinity of compounds and ion channels. If you are interested in our service, please contact us for more details.
Reference
- Cabanos, C.; et al. A soluble fluorescent binding assay reveals PIP2 antagonism of TREK-1 channels. Cell reports, 2017, 20(6): 1287-1294.
