Clypse-Open is a core facility of Kiel University that offers purpose-built assay services for degrader developers. 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 every critical validation step 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
Rapamycin induced proximity assay that allows the expression of E3 ligase target pairs in cells. Based on the rapamycin-induced proximity framework published in eLife (2024). Ideal for SAR and E3 ligase pair validation.
Best E3 ligase–target pairsMedChem-free
Learn more ->
02HiBiT
Live-cell protein degradation assay
Lentiviral overexpression 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 / DmaxReal time degradation kinetics
Learn more ->
03NanoBRET
Target Engagement Assay
The NanoBRET Target Engagement (TE) assay is a powerful, live-cell tool used to measure how well a degrader enters cells (permeability) and binds to its targets (target engagement).
Ternary complexBRETTarget 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 and E3 ligase pair, 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, one of Europe's leading academic degrader research groups. 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 pharmaceutical companies, biotechs and academic groups to provide rigorous, publication-quality data at every stage of degrader research.
Dolle A, Adhikari B, Kramer A, Weckesser J et al., Wolf E, Knapp S.
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2021
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 early-stage SAR campaigns and E3 ligase pair validation, before investing in more complex cellular models.
How it works
E3 ligases are brought into close proximity of the respected target by the addition of Rapamycin. Subsequently, E3 ligase induced target degradation can be measured by luciferase. 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)
Deliverables
Degradation %
TBD
TBD
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
Your gene of interest (with a C-terminal or N-terminal HiBiT tag) is cloned into a lentiviral expression vector. Your target cells are transduced with the lentivirus, followed by antibiotic selection. Subsequently, 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 HiBiT-tagged protein being overexpressed.
Deliverables
DC50
Half-maximal degradation conc.
Dmax
Maximum degradation capacity
Kinetics
Degradation rate and recovery
DC50 / DmaxReal time degradation kinetics
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 degraders 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 (NanoBRET™ Tracer) occupying a known ligand interface. Upon addition of the unmodified degrader, 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 degrader.
Deliverables
BRET ratio
Ternary complex formation
RBA / AI
Target engagement indices
Kinetics
Rate of complex formation
Ternary complexBRETTarget engagement
Interested in NanoBRET?
Request a quote or consultation
Tell us about your target, E3 ligase and PROTAC 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
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