Transporter Assays Using Solid Supported Membranes: A Novel Screening Platform for Drug Discovery

Transporters are important targets in drug discovery. However, high throughput-capable assays for this class of membrane proteins are still missing. Here we present a novel drug discovery platform technology based on solid supported membranes. The functional principles of the technology are described, and a sample selection of transporter assays is discussed: the H⁺-dependent peptide transporter PepT1, the gastric proton pump, and the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger. This technology promises to have an important impact on the drug discovery process.