The Protein & Cell Core of the iHuman Institute at ShanghaiTech University provides integrated research support and technical services across key stages of protein science, including molecular cloning, protein expression, purification and crystallization, drug screening, and biomolecular functional validation. The Core is dedicated to delivering systematic, high-quality protein research solutions to support scientific research.
The Core is organized into three principal modules based on its technical services: protein expression, protein purification and crystallization, and protein functional studies, forming a comprehensive technical support system that spans the full protein research workflow. It maintains extensive resource reserves, including a gene library comprising over 3,000 plasmids, among which are 2,576 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), 109 soluble proteins, 11 fusion proteins, and 18 engineered vectors, providing a solid foundation for target construction and functional validation.
In terms of infrastructure, the Core operates a cluster of specialized laboratories covering molecular cloning, insect cell expression, mammalian cell expression, protein purification and crystallization, high-throughput screening, and sample repository functions. It has established a distinctive “three libraries, two pipelines” technical framework, centered on plasmid, cell, and compound libraries, and supported by a scalable production pipeline and an innovation-driven R&D pipeline, enabling full-process coverage from target construction and protein production to functional screening.
The Core’s primary applications focus on GPCR-targeted drug discovery. It has established a robust and efficient eukaryotic expression system for GPCRs and integrates multiple functional assays, including calcium flux analysis, cAMP measurement, and β-arrestin recruitment. These capabilities enable comprehensive evaluation of candidate compounds in terms of target engagement and signaling pathway modulation, overcoming limitations of conventional screening approaches. Leveraging high-throughput and ultra-high-throughput screening technologies, the Core supports rapid functional assessment of large-scale compound libraries and conducts target dependency analysis as well as target–drug interaction validation, providing mechanistic insights for translational research.
As an important platform bridging basic research and clinical application, the Core enhances the developability and translational potential of candidate drugs from the early stages through high-fidelity eukaryotic expression systems, end-to-end technical services, and function-oriented precision screening strategies. These capabilities help shorten development timelines, reduce clinical failure risks, and provide critical support for innovative drug discovery and clinical translation.
Insect cell culture Room & Mammalian cell culture Room
Protein Purification and Crystallization Equipment
Facilities and Equipment for Protein Function Research