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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Quantitative Mass Spectrometric Profiling of Cancer-cell Proteomes Derived From Liquid and Solid Tumors
Published on: February 27, 2015
Emerging single-cell technologies for functional proteomics in oncology
1a Multiplex Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany , NY , USA.
Introduction:
Cellular heterogeneity has challenged current cancer therapeutics and hindered the discovery and development of cancer drugs. The heterogeneity in functional proteome is of particular interest because many cancer drugs are developed to target signaling proteins. The complex nature of tumor systems calls for more advanced multiplexed single-cell tools to address the heterogeneity issue.
Area Covered:
Over the past five years, there are a few single-cell functional proteomics tools introduced with unprecedented multiplexity and performance that are transforming the oncology field. Those tools are generally categorized as cytometry-based tools and microfluidics-based tools, and we discuss the representatives in both categories. Expert commentary: The single-cell tools have provided an avenue to understand the multifaceted differences of cancer cells, the complex signaling networks, and the relationship of intercellular interaction and tumor architecture. We also provide an outlook of single-cell tools in five years and the challenges to address before a greater impact on oncology can be made.
Insights
Advanced single-cell functional proteomics tools are revolutionizing cancer research by addressing cellular heterogeneity. These innovative methods offer new insights into cancer cell differences and signaling networks, paving the way for improved cancer drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Proteomics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular heterogeneity poses a significant challenge to current cancer therapeutics and drug discovery.
- Functional proteome heterogeneity is crucial as many cancer drugs target signaling proteins.
- Tumor complexity necessitates advanced multiplexed single-cell tools to overcome heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in single-cell functional proteomics tools for oncology.
- To categorize and discuss representative tools in cytometry-based and microfluidics-based approaches.
- To provide an outlook on the future of single-cell tools in cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Review of single-cell functional proteomics tools introduced in the last five years.
- Categorization into cytometry-based and microfluidics-based technologies.
- Discussion of representative tools and their performance.
Main Results:
- Emergence of single-cell functional proteomics tools with high multiplexity and performance.
- These tools enable understanding of cancer cell diversity, signaling networks, and tumor microenvironment.
- Cytometry-based and microfluidics-based tools are key categories transforming oncology.
Conclusions:
- Single-cell functional proteomics tools are vital for dissecting cancer cell heterogeneity.
- These technologies enhance understanding of intercellular interactions and tumor architecture.
- Future development of single-cell tools promises greater impact on cancer therapeutics and drug discovery.
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