Application of Electrophoresis in Single-Cell Analysis by Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The cell serves as the fundamental building block of life, yet it operates as an extremely sophisticated chemical system. Single-cell analysis holds the potential to provide novel insights into cellular heterogeneity and their corresponding subpopulations at the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a label-free technique that enables the multiplexed analysis of proteins, peptides, lipids, and metabolites in individual cells. By now, the application of electrophoresis in single-cell analysis by MS has become widespread. In this chapter, we will summarize the recent application advancements of electrophoresis in single-cell analysis by MS, with a particular focus on sampling, separation, and ionization. Additionally, we will discuss potential future research directions for utilizing electrophoresis in single-cell analysis by MS.