Services
Providing Advanced Biological Technical Services for Researchers in Fundamental Science
Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) Service
What is EMSA?
The Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) is a reliable technique for studying interactions between DNA-binding proteins and their target DNA sequences. It can be applied for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Based on the principle that protein-DNA or protein-RNA complexes exhibit reduced mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), EMSA is widely used to detect transcription factors or regulatory proteins activated by binding to specific DNA or RNA sequences.
Originally designed for studying DNA-binding proteins, EMSA has evolved to include applications in RNA-binding protein analysis and specific RNA sequences. By employing competitive experiments using labeled and unlabeled probes, the specificity and strength of these interactions can be accurately determined.

As shown in the figure, DNA complexes move slower than unbound probes. When detecting DNA-binding proteins, purified protein, partially purified protein, or nuclear cell extracts can be used. Competitive experiments use DNA fragments and oligonucleotide fragments containing protein-binding sequences (specific) and other unrelated fragments (nonspecific) to determine the specificity of DNA-binding proteins. In the presence of specific and nonspecific competing fragments, the characteristics and strength of the complexes are used to determine specific binding.
Why Choose ProNet Biotech's EMSA Service?
Custom Protein Expression: We offer high-activity protein expression using a cell-free system imported from leading international platforms. This system ensures correct folding and modification of proteins, supported by compounds that promote disulfide bond formation.
Fast Turnaround: Protein expression and purification are completed within one week, and EMSA results are delivered in as little as seven days.
Validated Protein Activity: All proteins are verified for solubility and functionality using Western Blot (WB) prior to assay setup, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Comprehensive Solutions: From protein preparation to biotin-labeled probe synthesis, we cover the entire workflow to guarantee optimal results for your EMSA projects.
EMSA Applications
Transcription Factor Studies: Identify and validate transcription factor binding sites.
RNA-Protein Interactions: Analyze specific RNA-binding sequences.
Drug Development: Screen compounds that modulate protein-DNA/RNA interactions.
Gene Regulation: Study regulatory elements and their protein partners.
Our EMSA Services
· Validation EMSA: Confirms binding between a biotin-labeled probe and the target protein, validating protein-nucleic acid interactions.
· Competitive EMSA: Includes both labeled and unlabeled probes to evaluate the specificity of binding via competition experiments.
· Supershift EMSA: Utilizes specific antibodies against the protein of interest to produce a "supershift" that confirms the identity of the protein in the complex.
Service Details
Sample Requirements
Gene, protein, and species information.
Service Workflow
· Protein Expression and Preparation:
Utilizes a cell-free protein expression system for optimal activity.
Includes solubility and functionality validation via Western Blot.
· Probe Synthesis:
Biotin-labeled and unlabeled probe preparation tailored to client specifications.
· Binding Reactions and Gel Preparation:
Non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels are prepared to separate complexes from free probes.
· Electrophoresis and Transfer:
Gels undergo electrophoresis, followed by transfer to nylon membranes using a semi-dry system.
· Detection:
Chemiluminescent detection of biotin-labeled complexes ensures high sensitivity.
EMSA Service Deliverables
Upon project completion, you will receive:
· Biotin-labeled and unlabeled oligonucleotide probes
· Remaining protein samples or lysates
· High-resolution gel images (TIFF/PNG formats)
· Complete experimental report including:
· Probe design and synthesis details
· Western blot verification of protein expression
· EMSA assay setup and procedures
· Raw and analyzed data (suitable for publication)
EMSA Service Timeline
Service Content | Working Days |
---|---|
Gene Synthesis (Codon Optimization) | 15 |
Yeast Expression | 15 |
Protein Purification | 10 |
Probe Synthesis | 7 |
EMSA Analysis | 7 |
EMSA Service Case Studies

EMSA FAQs
What if I don't have purified proteins? No problem! Our cell-free protein expression system ensures rapid and high-activity protein production tailored to your project needs.
Can EMSA be used for RNA-binding proteins? Yes, EMSA is highly versatile and can analyze RNA-binding proteins and specific RNA sequences.
How do you ensure protein activity? All proteins are validated for solubility and activity via Western Blot before proceeding to EMSA.
What is included in the final report? The report includes detailed experimental procedures, original data, and high-resolution images for publication-ready documentation.
Contact Us
Ready to explore protein-DNA/RNA interactions with EMSA? Contact ProNet Biotech today to discuss your project and receive a customized solution!
Keywords: EMSA assay, protein-DNA interaction, protein-RNA binding, transcription factor studies, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, cell-free protein expression, biotin-labeled probes, RNA-binding protein analysis, gene regulation assay.
Services Workflow

Online Consultation
01

Solution Matching
02

Service Contract
03

One-Stop-Services
04

Project Report
05
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Tel: +86 025-85205672

Email: info@pronetbio.com

Address: Building 3C, Nanjing Xianlin Zhigu,
Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210033

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