A review on mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics: Targeted and data independent acquisition

•A step-by-step guide to develop quantitative SRM assay for proteomics.•Tutorials to the selection of protein targets, proteotypic peptides and corresponding SRM transitions.•Demonstrative applications of SRM in basic biological research and clinical biomarker studies.•Brief summary of emerging pseudo-SRM (pSRM) and data independent acquisition (DIA) approaches in proteomics.

Mass spectrometry (MS) based proteomics have achieved a near-complete proteome coverage in humans and in several other organisms, producing a wealth of information stored in databases and bioinformatics resources. Recent implementation of selected/multiple reaction monitoring (SRM/MRM) technology in targeted proteomics introduced the possibility of quantitatively follow-up specific protein targets in a hypothesis-driven experiment. In contrast to immunoaffinity-based workflows typically used in biological and clinical research for protein quantification, SRM/MRM is characterized by high selectivity, large capacity for multiplexing (approx. 200 proteins per analysis) and rapid, cost-effective transition from assay development to deployment. The concept of SRM/MRM utilizes triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass analyzer to provide inherent reproducibility, unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity to efficiently differentiate isoforms, post-translational modifications and mutated forms of proteins. SRM-like targeted acquisitions such as parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) are pioneered on high resolution/accurate mass (HR/AM) platforms based on the quadrupole-orbitrap (Q-orbitrap) mass spectrometer. The expansion of HR/AM also caused development in data independent acquisition (DIA). This review presents a step-by-step tutorial on development of SRM/MRM protein assay intended for researchers without prior experience in proteomics. We discus practical aspects of SRM-based quantitative proteomics workflow, summarize milestones in basic biological and medical research as well as recent trends and emerging techniques.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (347KB)Download full-size image