Mass spectrometry-based proteomics of single cells and organoids: The new generation of cancer research

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.), 2020-09, Vol.130, p.116005, Article 116005
• Main Authors: Migisha Ntwali, P.V., Heo, Chae Eun, Han, Jong Yoon, Chae, Soo Yeon, Kim, Minji, Vu, Hung M., Kim, Min-Sik, Kim, Hugh I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D cell; Cellular heterogeneity; Mass spectrometry (MS); Proteomics; Single cell
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.116005

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is becoming a widely used technique for proteome characterization. Remarkable improvements in the resolution and sensitivity of MS instruments have enabled MS to address an ever-increasing array of biological questions. Nevertheless, the intrinsic cellular heterogeneity of biological systems continues to be a hurdle in MS-based proteomics for cancer research. MS-based proteomics of 3D cellular models and single-cell systems are being used as an effective analysis technique to characterize cellular heterogeneity among cancer cells. Proteomic analysis of 3D cellular models and single-cell systems provides a correlation between cellular heterogeneity and patient-specific responses to chemotherapy drugs, leading to effective and less toxic cancer treatments. Here, we review the pioneering achievements in MS-based proteomic analysis of 3D cell models and single-cell systems. Additionally, we provide insights into the contribution of MS-based proteomics, from examining tumoroid and single-cell systems to the development of precision medicine for cancer treatment. •MS-based proteomics helps understand cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and pathogenesis.•Advances in MS technology and its contributions to proteome research are discussed.•Challenges faced by MS-based proteomics capturing cancer complexity are described.•Proteomics based treatment from 3D organoids may be more effective and less toxic.•Technical development in single-cell proteomics from cancer cells are discussed.