Mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics in clinical applications

Protein phosphorylation is an essential post-translational modification that regulates many aspects of cellular physiology, and dysregulation of pivotal phosphorylation events is often responsible for disease onset and progression. Clinical analysis on disease-relevant phosphoproteins, while quite challenging, provides unique information for precision medicine and targeted therapy. Among various approaches, mass spectrometry (MS)-centered characterization features discovery-driven, high-throughput and in-depth identification of phosphorylation events. This review highlights advances in sample preparation and instrument in MS-based phosphoproteomics and recent clinical applications. We emphasize the preeminent data-independent acquisition method in MS as one of the most promising future directions and biofluid-derived extracellular vesicles as an intriguing source of the phosphoproteome for liquid biopsy.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Protein phosphorylation is crucial for cellular physiology and dysregulation of phosphorylation events can lead to diseases. Clinical analysis of disease-related phosphoproteins provides unique information for precision medicine. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool for identifying and studying phosphorylation events, and recent advances in sample preparation and instrument technology have contributed to its clinical applications. Data-independent acquisition method in MS and biofluid-derived extracellular vesicles are promising directions for future research and liquid biopsy.