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Transcription Factors (TFs) Assays
Connect with us to to explore our scientific capabilities in transcription factor research, spanning recombinant protein production, and structural biology to biophysical assays, functional cell based assays, and in vivo studies. Let us help accelerate your gene regulation and drug discovery programs today.
Transcription Factors Overview
Transcription factors work in a group and are in charge of the regulation of gene expression in order to produce a functional gene products throughout the life of the cell, facilitating cell division, cell proliferation, and cell death. Transcription factors are the single largest family of human proteins, estimating to have approximately 1,600-2,000 variants within the human genome.
Transcription Factors Target Validation Services
Ichor Life Sciences offers transcription factor target validation services for the confirmation of therapeutic utility of transcription factors, regulators of gene expression that play a major role in disease mechanisms like cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our strategy consists of specialized techniques in protein purification, structural and biophysical biology, cell-based, and in vivo assays to confirm drug targetability of transcription factors. We use CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi to regulate transcription factor activity within disease-relevant cell models, as measured by effects on gene expression and cellular phenotypes. We conduct biophysical assays, including SPR and ITC to define inhibitor binding kinetics, and structural biology such as X-ray crystallography and NMR to characterizes interaction sites for binding activity. Validation of functional readouts occurs through our in vivo platform, using patient-derived xenografts and mouse models to authenticate target engagement and efficacy.
RAS Capabilities and Services Summary
Protein Purification
We use multiple expression systems such as mammalian, insect, and bacterial, to create lab-grade recombinant transcription factors. The purified proteins preserve their structural integrity and DNA-binding ability for use in follow-on biophysical and functional assays.
Biophysical Characterization
Our scientist utilizes gold standard biophysical techniques such as as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry ("ITC") to study transcription factors protein interactions.
Structural Biology Services
We utilize X-Ray Crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of transcription factor proteins. The transcription factor is screened for formation of crystals under varying physicochemical parameters (Example: pH, Temperature, concentration of salts etc.) and he structures of the proteins are determined from the electron density maps computed from the X-ray diffraction patterns of the crystals.
Cell-Based Assays
We offer signaling pathway specific cell-based assays to examine transcription factor activity, within a living cell ecosystem. Specific assays include:
- High-content screening (HCS)
- TF localization assays
- Resonance transfer assays
- ERK phosphorylation assays
In Vivo Models
Our in vivo services support the study of transcription factor regulation in animal models to validate targets and evaluate therapeutic efficacy.