{"id":225,"date":"2025-10-21T13:17:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T13:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ectocellect.com\/?page_id=225"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:32:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T10:32:18","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ectocellect.com\/?page_id=225","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ebebeb” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”FAQS” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”aa0ff2c6-4749-426d-995f-6fa158faee8c” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”gcid-1f1b4e15-7cc6-4e13-8154-74d77a956460″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-1f1b4e15-7cc6-4e13-8154-74d77a956460%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=”Have a Question?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”eba291d1-c66f-4390-936e-45a349798898″ title_text_color=”#1A283B” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][dipl_faq_page_schema closed_toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ closed_icon_color=”#6681a0″ open_toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#1a283b” closed_toggle_bg_color=”#f7f7f7″ open_toggle_bg_color=”#f7f7f7″ global_question_custom_padding=”15px|20px|15px|20px|true|true” global_answer_custom_padding=”0px|20px||20px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” faq_heading_level=”h5″ faq_heading_font=”Urbanist||||||||” faq_question_closed_font=”Urbanist||||||||” faq_question_closed_font_size=”20px” faq_question_closed_line_height=”1.3em” faq_question_open_font=”Urbanist||||||||” faq_question_open_font_size=”18px” faq_answer_text_font=”Urbanist||||||||” faq_answer_text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” faq_heading_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” faq_question_closed_font_size_tablet=”18px” faq_question_closed_font_size_phone=”18px” faq_question_closed_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#d3d3d3″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”How are the arrayed proteins prepared?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The proteins represent the entire predicted ectodomain of human cell surface proteins. Each protein is expressed by transient transfection in human HEK293 cells as an enzymatically monobiotinylated soluble protein. The proteins are purified, concentrations measured, quality-checked, normalised, and arrayed. We test our arrays for functional activity using a panel of binding probes of known specificity.<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Why is your binding data so clean with high signal:noise ratios?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Proteins are expressed at varying levels spanning several orders of magnitude. Because the proteins on the array are secreted, we are able to measure their concentrations and normalise<\/em><\/strong> them before capturing them in individual wells. Importantly, this provides a constant experimental parameter which leads to clear binding signals.<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Which proteins are represented on the array?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

All human type I, type II, GPI-anchored proteins are represented on the array including:<\/p>\n

Cell adhesion and signalling proteins;<\/p>\n

CD antigens<\/p>\n

Many extracellular enzymes (glycosyltransferases, proteases, hydrolases, diesterases, phosphatases, peroxidases);<\/p>\n

Virus receptors, parasite invasion receptors, microbial adhesion proteins for host-pathogen interactions;<\/p>\n

Immunostimulatory and immunoinhibitory ligands, receptors and co-receptors;<\/p>\n

Immunoglobulin and EGF superfamily domain family members.<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Do you have more complex proteins such as multimers?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Yes, we are able to present more complex protein architectures such as integrins (all 24 integrins are represented ), beta-2 microglobulin heterodimers (e.g. CD1, HLA-E, -F,\u00a0 -G),\u00a0 and homodimers (CTLA-4, CD28).\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”How much primary antibody do I need to provide?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We recommend screening your antibody of interest at a concentration of around 1 microgram per mL across the array.\u00a0 For screens being carried out at Ectocellect, please provide a minimum of 50 micrograms of antibody, ideally at a concentration greater than 20 micrograms per mL, so that we can dilute it in our binding buffer. If your antibody is not limiting, then sending more is helpful as it provides a contingency.<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Do I send my antibody to Ectocellect or will you send arrayed plates to me?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We can accommodate both a product and service model. To perform the experiments yourself, ideally you will need appropriate fluid handling for 1536-well plates but get in touch if this is an issue for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Where should I send my screening reagents?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Please send your screening reagents to:<\/p>\n

Ectocellect,<\/p>\n

Department of Biology,<\/p>\n

University of York,<\/p>\n

Wentworth Way,<\/p>\n

York YO10 5DD<\/p>\n

United Kingdom<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Is my data kept confidential?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Yes.<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Does the antibody isotype matter?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We use a goat anti-human polyclonal secondary antibody that can detect all standard human IgG isotypes. We have found that this secondary antibody can detect antibodies that contain point mutations for silencing Fc receptor binding.<\/p>\n

If your molecules are not in the standard human IgG format, you will need to get in touch about how we will detect binding. This could\u00a0 include molecules such as:<\/p>\n

Antibodies with non-human framework regions<\/p>\n

Chimaeric antigen receptors (CARs)<\/p>\n

Camelid nanobodies<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Do I need to provide the secondary antibody?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If you are sending antibodies for screening at Ectocellect, we can provide an appropriate secondary antibody that is capable of detecting all endogenous human IgG\u00a0 isotypes. We can also detect binding of IgA and IgM antibody isotypes. You can indicate which secondary antibody reagent we should use in a Samples Submission Sheet: a simple spreadsheet we will provide where you list your sample details. For anything more exotic, then please provide a validated secondary detection reagent with details for how it should be used.<\/p>\n

[\/dipl_faq_page_schema_item][dipl_faq_page_schema_item faq_question=”Can I test molecules other than antibodies, or even whole cells on the Ectocellect human receptor array?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Yes. The human receptor array is a highly adaptable and generic binding assay. The arrays have been successfully used to detect interactions between:<\/p>\n