Homology modelling of the cd200 family of immunoregulatory
proteins to help research scientists understand its structure and function

Background on Proteomics, Biomarker Analysis and Bioinformatics

Larial provides technical support in 4 key areas of proteome analysis: sample stabilization, separation sciences, mass spectrometry and database searching. The discovery process is typically followed by validation of MS findings at a protein chemistry level or using specific probes directed against biomarkers of interest. Successful protein expression studies normally require the development or acquisition of high fidelity immunological probes directed against unique epitopes contained within the structure of proteins. The use of bioinformatics and homology modelling tools to help deduce protein structures, permits the identification of suitable epitopes a prerequisite for initiating a synthetic peptide antibody development program. For membrane protein targets, mass spectrometry data on proteolytically accessible sequences can also help guide the development of synthetic peptide antibodies. An important consideration is the relative abundance of a specific protein biomarker in the biological system being analysed. For example, many important cellular proteins are expressed at extremely low levels in tissues. Their abundance in biological fluids such as serum is often much lower and their integrity can also be compromised as a consequence of proteolytic cleavage events. In such instances it is absolutely critical that highly functional, purified antibodies be used to detect such antigens. For this reason Larial custom produces and affinity purifies high fidelity synthetic peptide antibodies to low abundance tissue antigens of interest. In several cases it has been possible to use such antibodies to detect low levels of corresponding tissue antigens in patient sera and evaluate their potential use as diagnostic tools of disease and/or tissue damage.