1
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Weng L, Yan G, Liu W, Tai Q, Gao M, Zhang X. Picoliter Single-Cell Reactor for Proteome Profiling by In Situ Cell Lysis, Protein Immobilization, Digestion, and Droplet Transfer. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38833655 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Global profiling of single-cell proteomes can reveal cellular heterogeneity, thus benefiting precision medicine. However, current mass spectrometry (MS)-based single-cell proteomic sample processing still faces technical challenges associated with processing efficiency and protein recovery. Herein, we present an innovative sample processing platform based on a picoliter single-cell reactor (picoSCR) for single-cell proteome profiling, which involves in situ protein immobilization and sample transfer. PicoSCR helped minimize surface adsorptive losses by downscaling the processing volume to 400 pL with a contact area of less than 0.4 mm2. Besides, picoSCR reached highly efficient cell lysis and digestion within 30 min, benefiting from optimal reagent and high reactant concentrations. Using the picoSCR-nanoLC-MS system, over 1400 proteins were identified from an individual HeLa cell using data-dependent acquisition mode. Proteins with copy number below 1000 were identified, demonstrating this system with a detection limit of 1.7 zmol. Furthermore, we profiled the proteome of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD051468. Proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and neutrophil extracellular traps formation (which are both related to tumor metastasis) were observed in all CTCs. The cellular heterogeneity was revealed by differences in signaling pathways within individual cells. These results highlighted the potential of the picoSCR platform to help discover new biomarkers and explore differences in biological processes between cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Weng
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Guoquan Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qunfei Tai
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Pharmacy Department, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Xiangmin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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2
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Zhao Z, Guo Y, Chowdhury T, Anjum S, Li J, Huang L, Cupp-Sutton KA, Burgett A, Shi D, Wu S. Top-Down Proteomics Analysis of Picogram-Level Complex Samples Using Spray-Capillary-Based Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8763-8771. [PMID: 38722793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Proteomics analysis of mass-limited samples has become increasingly important for understanding biological systems in physiologically relevant contexts such as patient samples, multicellular organoids, spheroids, and single cells. However, relatively low sensitivity in top-down proteomics methods makes their application to mass-limited samples challenging. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has emerged as an ideal separation method for mass-limited samples due to its high separation resolution, ultralow detection limit, and minimal sample volume requirements. Recently, we developed "spray-capillary", an electrospray ionization (ESI)-assisted device, that is capable of quantitative ultralow-volume sampling (e.g., pL-nL level). Here, we developed a spray-capillary-CE-MS platform for ultrasensitive top-down proteomics analysis of intact proteins in mass-limited complex biological samples. Specifically, to improve the sensitivity of the spray-capillary platform, we incorporated a polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated capillary and optimized the spray-capillary inner diameter. Under optimized conditions, we successfully detected over 200 proteoforms from 50 pg of E. coli lysate. To our knowledge, the spray-capillary CE-MS platform developed here represents one of the most sensitive detection methods for top-down proteomics. Furthermore, in a proof-of-principle experiment, we detected 261 ± 65 and 174 ± 45 intact proteoforms from fewer than 50 HeLa and OVCAR-8 cells, respectively, by coupling nanodroplet-based sample preparation with our optimized CE-MS platform. Overall, our results demonstrate the capability of the modified spray-capillary CE-MS platform to perform top-down proteomics analysis on picogram amounts of samples. This advancement presents the possibility of meaningful top-down proteomics analysis of mass-limited samples down to the level of single mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Yanting Guo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Trishika Chowdhury
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Samin Anjum
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Jiaxue Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Lushuang Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Kellye A Cupp-Sutton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Anthony Burgett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, United States
| | - Dingjing Shi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, 455 W Lindsey Street, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Si Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
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3
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Hu Z, Liu R, Gao W, Li J, Wang H, Tang K. A Fully Automated Online Enrichment and Separation System for Highly Reproducible and In-Depth Analysis of Intact Glycopeptide. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8822-8829. [PMID: 38698557 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
A fully automated online enrichment and separation system for intact glycopeptides, named AutoGP, was developed in this study by integrating three different columns in a nano-LC system. Specifically, the peptide mixture from the enzymatic digestion of a complex biological sample was first loaded on a hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) column. The nonglycopeptides in the sample were washed off the column, and the glycopeptides retained by the HILIC column were eluted to a C18 trap column to achieve an automated glycopeptide enrichment. The enriched glycopeptides were further eluted to a C18 column for separation, and the separated glycopeptides were eventually analyzed by using an orbitrap mass spectrometer (MS). The optimal operating conditions for AutoGP were systemically studied, and the performance of the fully optimized AutoGP was compared with a conventional manual system used for glycopeptide analysis. The experimental evaluation shows that the total number of glycopeptides identified is at least 1.5-fold higher, and the median coefficient of variation for the analyses is at least 50% lower by using AutoGP, as compared to the results acquired by using the manual system. In addition, AutoGP can perform effective analysis even with a 1-μg sample amount, while a 10-μg sample at least will be needed by the manual system, implying an order of magnitude better sensitivity of AutoGP. All the experimental results have consistently proven that AutoGP can be used for much better characterization of intact glycopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghan Hu
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- Zhenhai Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Rong Liu
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- Zhenhai Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Wenqing Gao
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- Zhenhai Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Junhui Li
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- Zhenhai Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- Zhenhai Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Keqi Tang
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- Zhenhai Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo 315211, PR China
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
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4
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Yang Z, Jin K, Chen Y, Liu Q, Chen H, Hu S, Wang Y, Pan Z, Feng F, Shi M, Xie H, Ma H, Zhou H. AM-DMF-SCP: Integrated Single-Cell Proteomics Analysis on an Active Matrix Digital Microfluidic Chip. JACS AU 2024; 4:1811-1823. [PMID: 38818059 PMCID: PMC11134390 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell proteomics offers unparalleled insights into cellular diversity and molecular mechanisms, enabling a deeper understanding of complex biological processes at the individual cell level. Here, we develop an integrated sample processing on an active-matrix digital microfluidic chip for single-cell proteomics (AM-DMF-SCP). Employing the AM-DMF-SCP approach and data-independent acquisition (DIA), we identify an average of 2258 protein groups in single HeLa cells within 15 min of the liquid chromatography gradient. We performed comparative analyses of three tumor cell lines: HeLa, A549, and HepG2, and machine learning was utilized to identify the unique features of these cell lines. Applying the AM-DMF-SCP to characterize the proteomes of a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, ASK120067-resistant cells (67R) and their parental NCI-H1975 cells, we observed a potential correlation between elevated VIM expression and 67R resistance, which is consistent with the findings from bulk sample analyses. These results suggest that AM-DMF-SCP is an automated, robust, and sensitive platform for single-cell proteomics and demonstrate the potential for providing valuable insights into cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Yang
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kai Jin
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical
Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Yimin Chen
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Siyi Hu
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical
Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Yuqiu Wang
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zilu Pan
- Division
of Antitumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fang Feng
- Division
of Antitumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mude Shi
- Guangdong
ACXEL Micro & Nano Tech Co. Ltd., Foshan, Guangdong Province 528000, China
| | - Hua Xie
- University
of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhongshan
Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
- Division
of Antitumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hanbin Ma
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical
Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
- Guangdong
ACXEL Micro & Nano Tech Co. Ltd., Foshan, Guangdong Province 528000, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Hangzhou
Institute for Advanced Study, University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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5
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Peters-Clarke TM, Coon JJ, Riley NM. Instrumentation at the Leading Edge of Proteomics. Anal Chem 2024; 96:7976-8010. [PMID: 38738990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Trenton M Peters-Clarke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Joshua J Coon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
| | - Nicholas M Riley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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6
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Li J, Huang L, Guo Y, Cupp-Sutton KA, Wu S. An automated spray-capillary platform for the microsampling and CE-MS analysis of picoliter- and nanoliter-volume samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:6961-6973. [PMID: 37581707 PMCID: PMC10843549 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04870-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is an emerging analytical tool for microscale biological sample analysis that offers high separation resolution, low detection limit, and low sample consumption. We recently developed a novel microsampling device, "spray-capillary," for quantitative low-volume sample extraction (as low as 15 pL/s) and online CE-MS analysis. This platform can efficiently analyze picoliter samples (e.g., single cells) with minimal sample loss and no additional offline sample-handling steps. However, our original spray-capillary-based experiments required manual manipulation of the sample inlet for sample collection and separation, which is time consuming and requires proficiency in device handling. To optimize the performance of spray-capillary CE-MS analysis, we developed an automated platform for robust, high-throughput analysis of picoliter samples using a commercially available CE autosampler. Our results demonstrated high reproducibility among 50 continuous runs using the standard peptide angiotensin II (Ang II), with an RSD of 14.70% and 0.62% with respect to intensity and elution time, respectively. We also analyzed Ang II using varying injection times to evaluate the capability of the spray-capillary to perform quantitative sampling and found high linearity for peptide intensity with respect to injection time (R2 > 0.99). These results demonstrate the capability of the spray-capillary sampling platform for high-throughput quantitative analysis of low-volume, low-complexity samples using pressure elution (e.g., direct injection). To further evaluate and optimize the automated spray-capillary platform to analyze complex biological samples, we performed online CE-MS analysis on Escherichia coli lysate digest spiked with Ang II using varying injection times. We maintained high linearity of intensity with respect to injection time for Ang II and E. coli peptides (R2 > 0.97 in all cases). Furthermore, we observed good CE separation and high reproducibility between automated runs. Overall, we demonstrated that the automated spray-capillary CE-MS platform can efficiently and reproducibly sample picoliter and nanoliter biological samples for high-throughput proteomics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxue Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 2210, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Lushuang Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 2210, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Yanting Guo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 2210, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Kellye A Cupp-Sutton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 2210, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.
| | - Si Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 2210, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.
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7
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Mali SB. Single cell proteomics. Potential applications in Head and Neck oncology. Oral Oncol 2023; 146:106586. [PMID: 37816290 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
In-depth transcriptomic and proteomic analyses are crucial for understanding normal and pathological biology. Next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) is used to assess gene expression, but protein abundance cannot be scaled up due to the lack of methods like PCR. This presents a major obstacle to proteomics at the single-cell level, as protein expression dictates cell state. Biochemists are interested in single-cell analysis of proteins, as analyzing tissues with diverse cell types hides cell-to-cell differences, making it difficult to interpret the resulting data. Single-cell proteomics is a promising field that provides direct yet comprehensive molecular insights into cellular functions without averaging effects. However, protein adsorption loss (PAL) has been a technical challenge, and mitigations have been generic, with efficacy evaluated by the size of the resolved proteome without specificity on individual proteins. Advances in sample processing, separations, and mass spectrometry have made it possible to quantify >1000 proteins from individual mammalian cells, a level of coverage that required thousands of cells just a few years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant B Mali
- Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir's Karmaveer Bhausaheb Hiray Dental College & Hospital, Nashik, India.
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8
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Stutzmann C, Peng J, Wu Z, Savoie C, Sirois I, Thibault P, Wheeler AR, Caron E. Unlocking the potential of microfluidics in mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics for tumor antigen discovery. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100511. [PMID: 37426761 PMCID: PMC10326451 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The identification of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) is critical for developing effective cancer immunotherapies. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying TSAs as physical molecules. However, current immunopeptidomics platforms face challenges in measuring low-abundance TSAs in a precise, sensitive, and reproducible manner from small needle-tissue biopsies (<1 mg). Inspired by recent advances in single-cell proteomics, microfluidics technology offers a promising solution to these limitations by providing improved isolation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-associated peptides with higher sensitivity. In this context, we highlight the challenges in sample preparation and the rationale for developing microfluidics technology in immunopeptidomics. Additionally, we provide an overview of promising microfluidic methods, including microchip pillar arrays, valved-based systems, droplet microfluidics, and digital microfluidics, and discuss the latest research on their application in MS-based immunopeptidomics and single-cell proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaxi Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhaoguan Wu
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aaron R. Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Etienne Caron
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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9
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Pereira I, Monaghan J, Abruzzi LR, Gill CG. PAMAM-Functionalized Paper as a New Substrate for the Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Measurement of Proteins. Anal Chem 2023; 95:7134-7141. [PMID: 37115227 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Paper surface functionalization with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers has been developed for increased sensitivity analysis of proteins by paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS). PAMAM is a branched polymeric compound with an ethylenediamine core linked to repeating PAMAM units that generates an outer surface rich in primary amines. These positively charged amine groups can interact electrostatically with negatively charged residues (e.g., aspartate, glutamate) on the protein surface. PAMAM inner amide moieties can also promote hydrogen bonding with protein surface oxygens, making PAMAM a useful material for protein extraction. PAMAM-functionalized PS-MS paper strips were used to extract proteins from biofluids, dipped in acetonitrile to remove unbound constituents, dried, and then measured with PS-MS. The use of this strategy was optimized and compared with unmodified paper strips. PAMAM-functionalized paper substrates provided sixfold greater sensitivity for albumin, 11-fold for hemoglobin, sevenfold for insulin, and twofold for lysozyme. The analytical performance of the functionalized paper substrate was evaluated through the analysis of albumin in urine, achieving linearity with R2 > 0.99, LOD of 1.1 μg mL-1, LOQ of 3.8 μg mL-1, precision better than 10%, and relative recovery 70-83%. The method was applied to quantify urinary albumin from nine anonymous patient samples (concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 77.4 μg mL-1), illustrating its potential for the diagnosis of microalbuminuria. These data demonstrate the utility of paper modification with the PAMAM dendrimer for sensitive PS-MS analysis of proteins, opening a path for further applications in clinical diagnosis through the analysis of disease-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Pereira
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Chemistry Department, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada
| | - Joseph Monaghan
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Chemistry Department, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada
- Chemistry Department, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Lucas R Abruzzi
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Chemistry Department, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada
- Chemistry Department, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Chris G Gill
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Chemistry Department, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada
- Chemistry Department, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
- Chemistry Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1618, United States
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10
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Gebreyesus ST, Muneer G, Huang CC, Siyal AA, Anand M, Chen YJ, Tu HL. Recent advances in microfluidics for single-cell functional proteomics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1726-1751. [PMID: 36811978 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01096h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell proteomics (SCP) reveals phenotypic heterogeneity by profiling individual cells, their biological states and functional outcomes upon signaling activation that can hardly be probed via other omics characterizations. This has become appealing to researchers as it enables an overall more holistic view of biological details underlying cellular processes, disease onset and progression, as well as facilitates unique biomarker identification from individual cells. Microfluidic-based strategies have become methods of choice for single-cell analysis because they allow facile assay integrations, such as cell sorting, manipulation, and content analysis. Notably, they have been serving as an enabling technology to improve the sensitivity, robustness, and reproducibility of recently developed SCP methods. Critical roles of microfluidics technologies are expected to further expand rapidly in advancing the next phase of SCP analysis to reveal more biological and clinical insights. In this review, we will capture the excitement of the recent achievements of microfluidics methods for both targeted and global SCP, including efforts to enhance the proteomic coverage, minimize sample loss, and increase multiplexity and throughput. Furthermore, we will discuss the advantages, challenges, applications, and future prospects of SCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofani Tafesse Gebreyesus
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Gul Muneer
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Asad Ali Siyal
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Mihir Anand
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Chen
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiung-Lin Tu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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11
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Zhang Z, Gao Y. Evaluation of the Binding Preference of Microtubes for Nanoproteomics Sample Preparation. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:279-284. [PMID: 36455010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Nonspecific binding between the protein and the container is an often-neglected cause of sample loss in large-scale proteomics sample preparation. In nanoproteomics, due to the small sample size, this absorption loss is no longer negligible, and researchers often adopt low binding plasticware to minimize the sample loss. However, there has been little discussion in the scientific literature on the differences in microtube performance on reducing protein/peptide binding. Therefore, the exact impact of sample loss during the sample preparation is not well understood. Here, we investigated the protein/peptide loss during the nanoproteomics experiment process. Our results showed that there are significant differences in nonspecific binding among the tested microtubes, with a protein recovery rate ranging from less than 10% to over 90% for different microtubes. Interestingly, we found that the storage temperature could also be one of the key factors that contribute to protein recovery from the plastic container. In addition, we investigated the binding preferences of different microtubes by the physical characteristics of the identified proteins and peptides, such as isoelectric point, hydrophobicity, length, and charge. Our findings help to better understand protein/peptide loss in proteomics sample preparation and provide further guidance for researchers in choosing proper containers for their precious sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Yu Gao
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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Franciosa G, Kverneland AH, Jensen AWP, Donia M, Olsen JV. Proteomics to study cancer immunity and improve treatment. Semin Immunopathol 2023; 45:241-251. [PMID: 36598558 PMCID: PMC10121539 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00980-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer survival and progression depend on the ability of tumor cells to avoid immune recognition. Advances in the understanding of cancer immunity and tumor immune escape mechanisms enabled the development of immunotherapeutic approaches. In patients with otherwise incurable metastatic cancers, immunotherapy resulted in unprecedented response rates with the potential for durable complete responses. However, primary and acquired resistance mechanisms limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Further therapeutic advances require a deeper understanding of the interplay between immune cells and tumors. Most high-throughput studies within the past decade focused on an omics characterization at DNA and RNA level. However, proteins are the molecular effectors of genomic information; therefore, the study of proteins provides deeper understanding of cellular functions. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics at a system-wide scale may allow translational and clinical discoveries by enabling the analysis of understudied post-translational modifications, subcellular protein localization, cell signaling, and protein-protein interactions. In this review, we discuss the potential contribution of MS-based proteomics to preclinical and clinical research findings in the context of tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Franciosa
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anders H Kverneland
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Agnete W P Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jesper V Olsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Andrade de Oliveira K, Sengupta S, Yadav AK, Clarke R. The complex nature of heterogeneity and its roles in breast cancer biology and therapeutic responsiveness. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1083048. [PMID: 36909339 PMCID: PMC9997040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1083048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a complex feature of cells and tissues with many interacting components. Depending on the nature of the research context, interacting features of cellular, drug response, genetic, molecular, spatial, temporal, and vascular heterogeneity may be present. We describe the various forms of heterogeneity with examples of their interactions and how they play a role in affecting cellular phenotype and drug responses in breast cancer. While cellular heterogeneity may be the most widely described and invoked, many forms of heterogeneity are evident within the tumor microenvironment and affect responses to the endocrine and cytotoxic drugs widely used in standard clinical care. Drug response heterogeneity is a critical determinant of clinical response and curative potential and also is multifaceted when encountered. The interactive nature of some forms of heterogeneity is readily apparent. For example, the process of metastasis has the properties of both temporal and spatial heterogeneity within the host, whereas each individual metastatic deposit may exhibit cellular, genetic, molecular, and vascular heterogeneity. This review describes the many forms of heterogeneity, their integrated activities, and offers some insights into how heterogeneity may be understood and studied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Andrade de Oliveira
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Piaui, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Surojeet Sengupta
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
| | - Anil Kumar Yadav
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
| | - Robert Clarke
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert Clarke,
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Cupp-Sutton KA, Fang M, Wu S. Separation methods in single-cell proteomics: RPLC or CE? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 2022; 481:116920. [PMID: 36211475 PMCID: PMC9542495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijms.2022.116920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity is commonly investigated using single-cell genomics and transcriptomics to investigate biological questions such as disease mechanism, therapeutic screening, and genomic and transcriptomic diversity between cellular populations and subpopulations at the cellular level. Single-cell mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics enables the high-throughput examination of protein expression at the single-cell level with wide applicability, and with spatial and temporal resolution, applicable to the study of cellular development, disease, effect of treatment, etc. The study of single-cell proteomics has lagged behind genomics and transcriptomics largely because proteins from single-cell samples cannot be amplified as DNA and RNA can using well established techniques such as PCR. Therefore, analytical methods must be robust, reproducible, and sensitive enough to detect the very small amount of protein within a single cell. To this end, nearly every step of the proteomics process has been extensively altered and improved to facilitate the proteomics analysis of single cells including cell counting and sorting, lysis, protein digestion, sample cleanup, separation, MS data acquisition, and data analysis. Here, we have reviewed recent advances in single-cell protein separation using nano reversed phase liquid chromatography (nRPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) to inform application driven selection of separation techniques in the laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mulin Fang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019
| | - Si Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019
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