Ultra-streamlined single cell proteomics by all-in-one chip and data-independent-acquisition mass spectrometry

Abstract

Single cell proteomics provides the ultimate resolution to reveal cellular phenotypic heterogeneity and functional network underlying biological processes. Here, we present an ultra-streamlined workflow combining an integrated proteomic chip (iProChip) and data-independent-acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry for sensitive microproteomics analysis down to single cell level. The iProChip offers multiplexed and automated all-in-one station from cell isolation/counting/imaging to complete proteomic processing within a single device. By mapping to project-specific spectra libraries, the iProChip-DIA enables profiling of 1160 protein groups from triplicate analysis of a single mammalian cell. Furthermore, the applicability of iProChip-DIA was demonstrated using both adherent and non-adherent malignant cells, which reveals 5 orders of proteome coverage, highly consistent ~100-fold protein quantification (1-100 cells) and high reproducibility with low missing values (<16%). With the demonstrated all-in-one cell characterization, ultrahigh sensitivity, robustness, and versatility to add other functionalities, the iProChip-DIA is anticipated to offer general utility to realize advanced proteomics applications at single cell level.