What do we have to offer?
The expertise in protein biochemistry required to analyze your newly discovered gene. From sequence alignments through structure-based homology modeling, we can provide invaluable information that can make the difference to your research. We can make it possible to enhance your gene discovery publication with structure-based sequence alignments and in certain cases a homology model of the protein. We also guarantee strict confidentiality.

Why not just collaborate or hire a postdoc or research scientist?
Your cost - in both time and money. An initial feasibility evaluation of your project can be accomplished for a cost between $350-$700, and our most recent project, which included structure-based sequence alignments and homology modeling, cost less than $6000. For roughly 10% of the cost of hiring full time employees we can provide you with top quality bioinformatics expertise. And unlike a collaboration you are our top priority. We get the job done when you want it, not when your collaborator finally gets around to it.

What exactly can we tell you about your newly discovered gene?
Optimal use of genetic data can only be made when the DNA can be interpreted in the form of exon/intron boundaries, protein coding regions, and ultimately the physiological function of the encoded protein. Gleaning functional data often means generating recombinant protein, performing detailed enzymological analyses, and solving the three-dimensional structure. This process can take many years. Bioinformatics has the potential to yield much of this information significantly faster through the use of structure-based sequence alignments, homology modeling, and structural comparisons with the Protein Databank (PDB). For example, we have predicted the existence of undiscovered exons due to missing conserved catalytic motifs.