Quantitative Proteomics Using Isobaric Labeling: A Practical Guide

In the past decade, relative proteomic quantification using isobaric labeling technology has developed into a key tool for comparing the expression of proteins in biological samples. Although its multiplexing capacity and flexibility make this a valuable technology for addressing various biological questions, its quantitative accuracy and precision still pose significant challenges to the reliability of its quantification results. Here, we give a detailed overview of the different kinds of isobaric mass tags and the advantages and disadvantages of the isobaric labeling method. We also discuss which precautions should be taken at each step of the isobaric labeling workflow, to obtain reliable quantification results in large-scale quantitative proteomics experiments. In the last section, we discuss the broad applications of the isobaric labeling technology in biological and clinical studies, with an emphasis on thermal proteome profiling and proteogenomics.

Automated summary

Isobaric labeling technology has become a key tool for comparing protein expression in biological samples, although challenges remain in terms of quantitative accuracy and precision. The different types of isobaric mass tags and advantages and disadvantages of the labeling method are detailed, along with precautions needed at each step of the workflow for reliable quantification results. The broad applications of isobaric labeling technology in biological and clinical studies, with a focus on thermal proteome profiling and proteogenomics, are also discussed.