This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Talk to our Scientists
Lead Candidate Drug Discovery by Immunoprecipitation Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS)
Immunoprecipitation Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS) is at the forefront of modern drug discovery, bridging the gap between proteomics and therapeutic innovation. This powerful technique leverages the specificity of immunoprecipitation to isolate target proteins from complex biological mixtures, followed by the precise and comprehensive detection offered by mass spectrometry.
IP-MS allows not only enhances the specificity and sensitivity of drug target and biomarkers detection but also facilitates the elucidation of drug mechanisms of action.
Whether you’re looking to identify new drug targets, validate biomarkers, or gain a deeper understanding of how your drug interacts with its target, IP-MS provides the tools you need to accelerate and refine your drug discovery process.
Immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (IP-MS) is a technique that combines immunoprecipitation (IP) with High-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) to identify and analyze proteins. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
-
Target binding:
Protein extracts containing potential drug targets are generated from different cell lines of interest. Then a drug candidate is mixed with the protein extract for specific binding with its protein target and associated protein complexes or interacting proteins.
-
Immunoprecipitation:
The protein complexes formed by the drug candidate mixed in the protein extract are purified, enriched and prepared for mass spectrometry analysis. The antibody-protein complexes are pulled down using beads, followed by washing to remove non-specific proteins.
-
Mass Spectrometry:
Prior to high-resolution mass spectrometry, the purified drug/target interacting proteins are subjected to in-gel proteolysis and nano flow liquid chromatography. The peptides separated by nLC and analyzed by high-resolution MS/MS.
-
Data Analysis:
The mass spectrometry data is analyzed using specific bioinformatics tools to identify the protein target(s) corresponding to the drug candidate.
Importance in Drug Discovery
The drug discovery process is complex and multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of biological systems and molecular interactions. Immunoprecipitation Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS) has emerged as a critical tool in this arena, offering unique advantages that significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of drug development.
- Target Identification and Validation:
IP-MS allows the detection and characterization of drug targets. This allows researchers to confirm specific proteins that play key roles in disease pathways. - Understanding Disease Mechanisms:
IP-MS provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases by revealing how proteins interact and function within cellular networks. This understanding is crucial for developing drugs that can effectively modulate these pathways. - Biomarker Discovery:
IP-MS enables the discovery and validation of biomarkers by identifying proteins that are differentially expressed or modified in disease states. These biomarkers can then be used to stratify patients, tailor treatments, and improve clinical outcomes.
Notable Benefits with CovalX IP-MS services
- Expertise: CovalX has over a decade of experience characterizing protein interactions using mass spectrometry.
- Latest Equipment: CovalX utilizes the latest mass spectrometric instrumentation and analysis software available.
- Trusted Company: CovalX has worked with nearly all of the major biopharma companies and specializes with smaller biotech as well.