Membrane Proteins in Nanodiscs: Methods and Applications

Membrane proteins, a principal class of drug targets, play indispensable roles in various biological processes and are closely associated with essential life functions. Their study, however, is complicated by their low solubility in aqueous environments and distinctive structural characteristics, necessitating a suitable native-like environment for molecular analysis. Nanodisc technology has revolutionized this field, providing biochemists with a powerful tool to stabilize membrane proteins and significantly enhance their research possibilities. This review outlines the substantial advancements in nanodisc methodologies and applications from 2018 to 2024. We cover the development of various nanodisc models, as well as structural and functional studies of membrane proteins that utilize nanodiscs, highlighting their medical applications.