FAQ on Pharmaleads, fluorescent substrates, inhibitors of proteases:
Is Pharmaleads a service company?
No, Pharmaleads is not a service company. However, we do put our know-how and inovative tools at the service of our clients. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have on proteases.
What are the different families of Proteases ?
There are four families of proteases based on the nature of their active site and on their reaction mechanism:
1) Metalloprotease
2) Serine protease
3) Aspartyl protease
4) Cysteine protease
Proteases can also be subdivided in exopeptidases and endopeptidases depending on where the cleavage site is located: exopeptidase for a cleavage removing one a two terminal amino acid (it can then be aminopeptidase or carboxypeptidase), endopeptidases otherwise.
Pharmaleads’ initial know-how is on zinc dependent metallopeptidases; it has been extended to a large number of other proteases.
What are the advantages of your fluorogenic complex over FRET?
Our technology relies on the use of a Pya fluorophore that produces a very intense fluorescent signal. Multiplication factors of 2, 3 and upto 5 can be obtained compared to FRET technics. This increase of fluorescence provides increased sensitivity and/or faster detection to the enzymatic assays.
What toxin should we buy to test botulinum toxin assay ?
Besides the serotypes (e.g. BoNT/A or BoNT/B), one should be aware that the toxins can be obtained either pure (150kDa) or in different complex forms (of higher molecular weights).
Where can toxins be acquired?
Toxins are highly regulated products. Only limited quantities of toxins can be purchased and for R&D purposes. There are very few providers in the world (ex Metabiologics in the USA) . You need to contact them and obtain an export licence from the government of their country. A licence to transport, detain and use the toxin will also be required by the government of your own country that will conduct an inquiry on the activities of your company.
Ask us your question on fluorescent substrates or inhibitors of proteases and see what Pharmaleads can do for you.
