Ligand Receptor Analysis Service

Ligand receptor analysis is a specialized approach used to investigate the interactions between ligands—small molecules, peptides, or proteins—and their target receptors, which are often membrane proteins or intracellular signaling molecules. This analysis employs advanced techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), X-ray crystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) to map binding sites, measure binding affinities, and elucidate conformational changes induced by ligand binding. Additionally, computational modeling and molecular dynamics simulations are integrated to predict binding poses and analyze dynamic interactions at an atomic level. Ligand receptor analysis not only reveals the molecular basis of ligand-receptor binding but also deciphers how these interactions translate into downstream signaling events, providing critical insights into receptor activation and regulation.  

 



Ma, F. et al. Cell Biosci. 2021.

Figure 1. General Procedures of Ligand Receptor Analysis Using scRNA-seq Techniques

 

The primary role of ligand receptor analysis extends across multiple scientific and therapeutic domains. It enables the identification of novel drug targets, facilitates the discovery of lead compounds, and supports structure-based drug design. In biomedical research, it helps uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases caused by aberrant receptor signaling or ligand dysregulation. Furthermore, ligand receptor analysis aids in optimizing drug efficacy and reducing off-target effects by identifying ligand selectivity and receptor subtype specificity. These analyses also play a pivotal role in understanding receptor conformational changes during activation or inhibition, offering a comprehensive view of the structure-function relationship in receptor biology.  

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

Combining state-of-the-art instrumentation with a highly experienced scientific team, MtoZ Biolabs proudly offers ligand receptor analysis service that provides precise identification and quantification of ligand-receptor interactions, comprehensive binding affinity assessments, and detailed conformational change analyses. Clients benefit from customized data reports that include in-depth insights into binding mechanisms, receptor activation pathways, and downstream signal transduction. Whether for academic research or pharmaceutical development, ligand receptor analysis service at MtoZ Biolabs empowers scientists with actionable data to drive innovation in therapeutic discovery and biomolecular research.

 

Service Advantages

1. High-Resolution Structural Analysis: Through ligand receptor analysis service, MtoZ Biolabs utilizes advanced technologies such as cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to precisely resolve the three-dimensional structures of ligand-receptor interactions, revealing conformational changes at binding sites and their critical roles in signal transduction.

 

2. Dynamic and Binding Affinity Analysis: With ligand receptor analysis service, MtoZ Biolabs employs state-of-the-art dynamic simulations and binding affinity measurement techniques to capture real-time dynamic behaviors of ligands and receptors in different binding states, providing in-depth insights into signaling pathway regulation mechanisms.

 

3. Customized Data Analysis and Reporting: MtoZ Biolabs' ligand receptor analysis service offers comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis, generating detailed interaction data reports that help researchers understand ligand-specific binding mechanisms and provide scientific support for the design and optimization of targeted therapeutics.

 

Case Study

Case 1: This study employs cryo-EM to resolve the three-dimensional structure of the delta opioid receptor (DOR) in complex with a small-molecule agonist and Gi protein, uncovering key molecular features of ligand-receptor interactions and their role in biased signaling pathways. The findings demonstrate that different ligand-binding modes can significantly influence downstream signaling selectivity, providing a structural foundation for designing functionally biased drug molecules. Ligand receptor analysis service enables high-resolution structural characterization and precise binding site analysis, offering insights into ligand mechanisms and supporting the rational design and optimization of therapeutic compounds.

 



Cheng, L. et al. Nat Commun. 2024.

Figure 2. Detailed Structural Analysis of the Binding Pocket Between the Small-Molecule Agonist and the Delta Opioid Receptor

 

Case 2: This study explores how small molecules can bind to cryptic binding sites, which are often hidden in the native state of proteins and become accessible through conformational changes or dynamic fluctuations. By utilizing advanced structural biology techniques and computational simulations, the research reveals key mechanisms driving ligand binding to these elusive sites, highlighting their potential as drug targets. Through ligand receptor analysis service, precise identification and characterization of such interactions can be achieved, offering valuable insights into binding affinities, structural dynamics, and molecular recognition mechanisms.

 



Shan, Y. et al. PLoS Comput Biol. 2022.

Figure 3. Simulations of Binding of Small Molecules to Their Receptors and Free Energy Calculation

 

FAQ

Q1: How can ligand-receptor interaction analysis reveal conformational changes at the ligand-binding site and their impact on receptor signal transduction?  

Answer: Through ligand receptor interaction analysis, key interaction sites between the ligand and receptor during the binding process can be precisely identified, revealing dynamic changes in receptor conformations under different states. By integrating high-resolution structural analysis techniques, such as cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, with dynamic simulations, this analysis can uncover how ligand binding triggers receptor conformational rearrangements and how these changes influence the selectivity and strength of downstream signaling pathways. Utilizing a professional ligand receptor analysis service, researchers can systematically apply these techniques, enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ligand-specific binding while providing a solid theoretical foundation for designing more selective and effective targeted therapeutics.

 

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Experimental Details

2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods

3. Relevant Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Parameters

4. The Detailed Information of Ligand Receptor Analysis

5. Mass Spectrometry Image

6. Raw Data