Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) Service

CD BioSciences offers professional electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) services to accurately characterize protein-nucleic acid interactions. Our EMSA platform delivers reliable, quantitative data for studying transcription factor binding, nucleic acid-protein complexes, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, supporting basic research and drug discovery projects.

Overview of Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay

EMSA, also known as gel shift assay, is a widely used technique for detecting direct binding between proteins and nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). The assay is based on the principle that when a protein binds to a nucleic acid probe, the resulting complex migrates more slowly through a non-denaturing gel than the free probe due to increased size and charge changes. This shift in mobility allows for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of binding specificity, affinity, and stoichiometry. EMSA is particularly valuable for validating transcription factor binding sites, studying RNA-protein interactions, and screening for inhibitors in epigenetic research.

Fig.1 Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) is used to detect protein-nucleic acid interactions in vitro. (Mansouri-Noori F, et al., 2024)

Our Services

CD BioSciences offers customized EMSA solutions to analyze binding affinity, specificity, and complex formation between target proteins and nucleic acid probes. By monitoring mobility changes during non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, our assay enables clear visualization of protein–nucleic acid complexes compared with free probes.

EMSA Service Workflow

We offer a comprehensive and collaborative process designed to ensure accurate and reproducible results from initial consultation through final delivery. This integrated approach consists of five key phases:

Project Design

We collaborate with clients to define experimental objectives, select appropriate nucleic acid probes (e.g., DNA oligonucleotides or RNA transcripts), and establish assay parameters.

Probe Preparation and Labeling

Synthesize and label probes with fluorescent, radioactive, or chemiluminescent tags to enable high-sensitivity detection.

Binding Reaction and Electrophoresis

Incubate labeled probes with protein samples (e.g., purified proteins or nuclear extracts) under optimized conditions, followed by separation on non-denaturing gels to resolve complexes.

Detection and Imaging

Visualize results using advanced systems (e.g., phosphorimagers or fluorescence scanners) to capture shift patterns.

Results Analysis & Interpretation

Analyze gel images to quantify binding efficiency, specificity, and stability, with expert insights provided for comprehensive understanding.

Sample Requirements & Applications

Sample Requirements

1. Purified recombinant protein or nuclear extract.
2. DNA or RNA sequence information for probe design.
3. Optional antibodies for supershift assays.

If you are unsure about sample preparation or experimental strategy, our technical team is happy to provide guidance before project initiation.

Key Applications

1. Validation of transcription factor–DNA binding.
2. Analysis of epigenetic regulator interactions with DNA or RNA.
3. Comparison of wild-type and mutant protein binding properties.
4. Competitive binding and specificity studies.
5. Evaluation of small molecules or peptides affecting binding activity.

Deliverables

Upon project completion, you will receive:

1. High-quality gel images with clear band resolution.
2. Quantitative or semi-quantitative binding analysis (upon request).
3. Detailed experimental conditions and protocols.
4. Technical interpretation and troubleshooting suggestions.

Why Choose Us?

1. Proven expertise in epigenetic and transcription-related assays.
2. Flexible assay design tailored to complex research questions.
3. High sensitivity with low background interference.
4. Strict quality control and data reproducibility standards.
5. Confidential handling of all samples and project information.

Whether you are investigating transcriptional regulation, epigenetic mechanisms, or RNA–protein interactions, our EMSA service offers a dependable solution to support your research goals. Contact us to discuss your project requirements and receive a customized experimental plan and detailed quote. We are committed to delivering reliable, actionable data to support your scientific objectives.

Reference

1. Mansouri-Noori F, Bayfield M A. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) for in vitro detection of protein-nucleic acid interactions[J]. STAR protocols, 2024, 5(2): 103128.