Anatrace receives SBIR to develop novel detergents.
Anatrace, Inc. has received an SBIR from the NIMH to develop new detergents and membrane-mimetic media for studying brain derived G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Despite the paramount importance of GPCRs in basic biology, human health and disease, our understanding of these receptors has been limited by difficulties in obtaining high resolution structural information. The recent structure of the b-2-adrenergic receptor (BAR) is a major achievement for the membrane protein field; however, there is undoubtedly, a need for the experimental determination of additional high resolution GPCR structures.

As part of our award Anatrace will be developing membrane mimetic media that are suitable both to confer aqueous solubility to GPCRs and to sustain native-like receptor structure, function, and stability. Anatrace will be collaborating with Dr. Charles Sanders, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, to develop and test these new detergents using the kappa opiod receptor as a model system. The results of this work will positively impact not only structural analysis of GPCRs, but will also be useful in other applications including drug screening, biochemical studies, and studies of receptor stability and folding. 
 

H. Ronald Kaback, MD awarded first Anatrace Membrane Protein Award. Anatrace was proud to present the first annual Membrane Protein Award to Professor Ronald Kaback of UCLA at the 52nd Annual Biophysical Society Meeting in February. Dr Kaback’s research has focused on elucidating the structure and mechanism of the bacterial transporter, Lactose permease (LacY). Dr. Kaback also pioneered the use of isolated vesicular membrane preparations from bacteria for the study of active transport in membranes.

The Anatrace Membrane Protein award was established to recognize an outstanding investigator who has made a significant contribution to the field of membrane protein research. Applications are due to the Biophysical Society by April 1. More information can be found at: http://www.biophysics.org/opportunities/bpsawards.htm#anatrace

Anatrace launches new line of synthetic lysophospholipids.
Anatrace recently launched a new line of synthetic lysophospholipids, the LysoFos™ Cholines. These detergents are produced according to our unparalleled standards of purity. All compounds are ³99% pure by HPLC and have low background absorbance and conductance specifications. We are offering 5 different acyl chain lengths, from LysoFos Choline 10 to 18. Click here to learn more.