Clypse-Open is a core facility of Kiel University that offers purpose-built assay services for developers of degrader molecules. RiPA, HiBiT and NanoBRET platforms delivering quantitative, publication-quality data.
Classical inhibitors can only block proteins with accessible active sites. Degrader molecules recruit the cell's own degradation machinery to eliminate target proteins entirely, including transcription factors and other non-enzymatic targets previously considered undruggable.
Moreover, a single degrader molecule acts catalytically, driving multiple rounds of target degradation. The degrader landscape spans several modality classes shown on the right — Clypse-Open offers dedicated assay platforms covering critical validation steps from ternary complex formation to intracellular degradation kinetics.
Bivalent small molecules that form a ternary complex between a target protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase, driving proteasomal degradation.
02 — Molecular Glues
Stabilise a neo-interaction between a target and E3 ligase without a traditional linker-warhead architecture.
03 — Biologic Degraders
Bivalent biologics combining antibody-mediated targeting with lysosomal degradation, enabling membrane and extracellular targets.
Our Assay Platforms
Multiple assays, one focus – for all types of degraders
01RiPA
Rapamycin-induced proximity assay
The RiPA assay allows for the expression of E3 ligases and targets in cells. Rapamycin-induced dimerization allows the identification of ideal E3 ligases for every target of interest (Adhikari et al, eLife, 2024).
Best E3 ligase–target pairsMedChem-free
Learn more ->
02HiBiT
Live-cell protein degradation assay
Lentiviral expression of your protein of interest combined with the HiBiT assay is a sensitive, high-throughput method for validating and optimizing degraders. It allows you to rapidly measure target protein degradation in living cells by tracking the depletion of a tagged protein.
DC50 / Dmax
Learn more ->
03NanoBRET
Nano Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer
The NanoBRET assay is a powerful, live-cell tool used to measure how well a degrader enters cells (permeability) and binds to its target protein (target engagement).
BRETCell PermeabilityTarget Engagement
Learn more ->
Working with Us
How we collaborate
01
Scientific Consulting
We work with you to identify the right assay platform and experimental design for your specific target, E3 ligase, and/or degrader from the outset.
02
Flexible Engagement
Every project is scoped to your needs — from a focused single-assay pilot to a multi-target program. We share interim results, refine the experimental approach together, and close with a structured data package.
03
Publication
Results generated using Clypse-Open tools may be freely published. Academic collaborations are governed by a Material Transfer Agreement.
6+
Years degrader Research
About Clypse-Open
Built by scientists, for degrader developers
The core facility Clypse-Open emerged from the Tumor Biochemistry working group at the Biochemical Institute of Kiel University. Our Clypse-Open assay platforms were developed as part of ERC-funded research programs and are now available to external academic partners.
We partner with academic groups, pharmaceutical companies and biotechs to provide rigorous, publication-quality data at every stage of degrader research.
Adhikari B, Bozilovic J, Diebold M et al., Wolf E.
Nature Chemical Biology, 2020
Degrader
Compliance
Regulatory Framework
Cell Lines
Cell Line Usage
All human-derived cell lines are sourced from ATCC, DSMZ and ECACC. STR profiling and mycoplasma testing are performed routinely. Containment complies with EU Directive 2009/41/EC and German GenTSV guidelines. In-house cell lines are governed by a Material Transfer Agreement.
In Vivo
Animal Studies
In vivo studies are conducted only where scientifically necessary, in full compliance with EU Directive 2010/63/EU, implemented in Germany via TierSchG and TierSchVersV. All protocols are approved by the responsible authority prior to commencement.
GDPR
Data Protection
Client data is handled in accordance with GDPR / DS-GVO. Data processing agreements are available on request. No client data is shared with third parties without explicit written consent.
GLP
Quality Standards
Studies follow Good Laboratory Practice principles. SOPs, calibration records and raw data are archived and available for client audit on request.
Get in Touch
Request a quote or consultation
Tell us about your degrader program and we will respond within two business days with a proposed assay plan and indicative timeline.
Rapamycin induced proximity assay that allows the expression of E3 ligase target pairs in cells.
Based on the rapamycin-induced proximity assay (RiPA) framework published in eLife (2024), the platform is ideally suited for E3 ligase pair validation before investing in more complex cellular models.
How it works
E3 ligase-FRB constructs and FKBP12- and luciferase tagged target constructs are generated and transfected into cells. Rapamycin treatment leads to dimerization of FRB and FKBP12 tags and thus induces proximity between the E3 ligase and the target. Subsequently, E3 ligase induced target degradation can be measured by luciferase activity. RiPA is a quantitative and scalable cellular assay that predicts the suitability of E3 ligases for a specific target.
Adapted from Adhikari et al., eLife 2024 (CC BY 4.0)
You provide
cDNA of your target
You receive
Degradation %
E3 ligase comparison
Suitability ranking
Best E3 ligase–target pairsMedChem-free
Interested in RiPA?
Request a quote or consultation
Tell us about your target and E3 ligase pair and we will respond within two business days.
The HiBiT assay is combined with lentiviral expression of your protein of interest tagged with the 11-amino acid HiBiT peptide. When combined with its complementary partner LgBiT, HiBiT reconstitutes a highly active, functional luciferase enzyme, generating a luminescent signal directly proportional to target protein abundance.
How it works
The target of interest (with a C-terminal or N-terminal HiBiT tag) is cloned into a lentiviral expression vector. The desired cellular model is transduced with the lentivirus carrying the target, followed by antibiotic selection. The established cellular system can be used to evaluate target degradation upon degrader treatment. The larger LgBiT fragment is introduced to the cells along with luciferase substrate. The intensity of the light is directly proportional to the amount of overexpressed HiBiT-tagged protein and thereby allows for evaluation of degradation.
You provide
cDNA of your target
You receive
HiBiT-tagged cell line
Positive control
DC50 / Dmax
Interested in HiBiT?
Request a quote or consultation
Tell us about your target protein and degrader compound and we will respond within two business days.
Target engagement and cell permeation are crucial parameters that may limit the efficacy of degraders. Here, the target protein is tagged with a NanoLuc luciferase. When a cell-permeable, fluorescently labeled tracer binds the target, it triggers a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Unlabeled potential binders are added to the cells competing for the target and successful binding causes a dose-dependent decrease in the BRET signal.
How it works
A luciferase-tagged target is in a dynamic equilibrium with a fluorescent reporter, a tracer, occupying a known ligand interface. Upon addition of the unlabeled potential binder,, target engagement results in competitive displacement of the tracer and dose-dependent loss of the BRET signal. Comparing target engagement in both live and permeabilized cells allows to assess the intracellular availability of the binder.
You provide
cDNA of your target
You receive
Luciferase-tagged cell line
Positive control
Ternary complexBRETTarget engagement
Interested in NanoBRET?
Request a quote or consultation
Tell us about your target, E3 ligase and degrader compound and we will respond within two business days.
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Clypse– Open
Regulatory Compliance
Cell Line Authentication and Containment
All cell lines are sourced from authenticated biorepositories including ATCC, DSMZ and ECACC. Routine STR profiling and mycoplasma screening ensure cell line integrity. In-house cell lines are governed by a Material Transfer Agreement and may be freely used in publications, with co-authorship of the contributing Clypse-Open scientists as a prerequisite. Work with genetically modified cell lines complies with EU Directive 2009/41/EC and the German GenTG and GenTSV.
Animal Studies
Clypse-Open applies the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). All animal studies are conducted in full compliance with:
EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes
German Animal Welfare Act (Tierschutzgesetz, TierSchG)
All protocols are approved by the competent authority in Schleswig-Holstein prior to commencement.
GLP and Data Integrity
Studies follow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles. All SOPs, calibration records and raw data are archived in a controlled document management system and available for client audit on request.
Clypse– Open
Impressum
Angaben gemäß § 5 TMG
Biochemisches Institut an der CAU Kiel Rudolf-Höber-Str. 1 D-24118 Kiel Deutschland
Kontakt
E-Mail: info@clypse-open.com
Geschäftsführung
Dr. Anneke Kramm
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