A Zwitterionic Detergent and Catalyst-Based Single-Cell Proteomics Using a Loss-Free Microhole-Collection Disc

Recent advances in single-cell proteomics have solved many bottlenecks, such as throughput, sample recovery, and scalability via nanoscale sample handling. In this study, we aimed for a sensitive mass spectrometry (MS) analysis capable of handling single cells with a conventional mass spectrometry workflow without additional equipment. We achieved seamless cell lysis and TMT labeling in a micro-HOLe Disc (microHOLD) by developing a mass-compatible single solution based on a zwitterionic detergent and a catalyst for single-cell lysis and tandem mass tag labeling without a heat incubation step. This method was developed to avoid peptide loss by surface adsorption and buffer or tube changes by collecting tandem mass tag-labeled peptide through microholes placed in the liquid chromatography injection vials in a single solution. We successfully applied the microHOLD single-cell proteomics method for the analysis of proteome reprogramming in hormone-sensitive prostate cells to develop castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. This novel single-cell proteomics method is not limited by cutting-edge nanovolume handling equipment and achieves high throughput and ultrasensitive proteomics analysis of limited samples, such as single cells.