Making key proteins more readily available for medical use

Many drugs work by targeting membrane proteins, which are located in the cell membrane and perform important functions such as in signal transduction or the transport of substances. These proteins include, amongst others, G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and transporters. They are considered some of the most important drug targets in pharmaceutical development.

Nevertheless, producing these proteins poses major challenges for both research and industry. They are often only produced in small quantities, are difficult to isolate, or lose their natural properties after purification. This makes it more difficult to develop new medicines and to conduct research into drug targets that have not yet been fully explored.

Artificial membrane organelles as a production platform

The MemStacks project has developed an innovative technology based on inducible artificial membrane organelles. They make it possible to selectively enrich different classes of membrane proteins in cellular membranes and to produce them efficiently. This also allows membrane proteins to be produced that have hitherto been difficult to access or were potentially harmful to the cells producing them.

The aim is to further develop the technology into a modular platform for the production of relevant membrane proteins. The aim is also to demonstrate their usefulness in pre-clinical drug development.

The basis for a spin-off

The project team plans to set up a company following the technological developments made during the first funding phase of GO-Bio next. The aim is to provide high-quality membrane proteins and specialised characterisation services for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. MemStacks could therefore make a significant contribution to the development of new medicines and biotechnological applications.

More on funded GO-Bio projects on the overview page