Single-Cell Proteomics Service
Traditional bulk proteomics averages out the vital differences between individual cells, masking the crucial nuances of the cellular microenvironment. We understand how frustrating it is to know that critical biological insights might be lost in the noise of a bulk sample. Our Single-Cell Proteomics (SCP) service is designed to solve this, utilizing advanced Orbitrap and timsTOF technologies to give you the high-resolution data you need to map protein expression, cell by cell.
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- What for
- Workflow
- Deliverables
- Applications
- Why Choose
- FAQs
- Sample preparation
What Single Cell Proteomics Can Do?
Single-cell proteomics is designed for researchers who need to move beyond the "average" and understand the specific actors driving biological mechanisms. It is utilized to:
- Resolve Cellular Heterogeneity: Identify distinct subpopulations within seemingly uniform tissues or cell cultures.
- Discover Rare Cell Types: Pinpoint elusive phenotypes, such as drug-resistant clones or rare stem cell progenitors, that are completely lost in the noise of bulk analysis.
- Map Protein-Level Trajectories: Track protein expression changes dynamically across cell differentiation or disease progression.
- Validate Transcriptomics Data: Bridge the gap between scRNA-seq and actual phenotype by confirming that RNA expression translates to functional protein machinery.
Our End-to-End Workflow
1. Single-Cell Isolation: Separate individual cells using FACS, microfluidics, or droplet-based methods.
2. Cell Lysis & Protein Digestion: Break open cells and digest proteins into peptides.
3. Peptide Labeling/Barcoding: Tag peptides for multiplexed single-cell analysis.
4. Peptide Separation: Use nanoLC to separate peptides before mass spectrometry.
5. Mass Spectrometry Analysis: Detect and quantify peptides using high-sensitivity MS.
6. Data Analysis & Visualization: Map peptides to proteins, quantify expression, and visualize results to identify cell heterogeneity and protein patterns
Deliverables
- Raw Data Files: Complete, secure access to all raw mass spectrometry files for your own archival and secondary analysis.
- Quality Control Report: Detailed metrics on sample processing efficiency, MS performance, peptide recovery, and data reproducibility.
- Quantitative Data Matrix: Processed, normalized data tables listing identified proteins and their relative abundance across all single cells analyzed.
- Bioinformatics Package: Publication-ready visualizations including PCA plots, UMAP/t-SNE clustering, volcano plots, and pathway enrichment analysis.
Key Applications
Why Choose Us
- Ultra-Sensitive Technologies: We leverage the latest generation of mass spectrometers coupled with specialized low-flow chromatography for maximum depth of coverage.
- Lossless Sample Processing: Our proprietary microfluidic and automated sample preparation workflows minimize sample loss, maximizing the peptides delivered to the detector.
- PhD-Level Partnership: You are not just a ticket number. Our senior scientists consult on your project from day one to ensure the experimental design perfectly matches your biological question.
- Transparent Timelines: We provide clear, reliable turnaround times so you can confidently plan your grant submissions and publication schedules.
FAQs
How many proteins can you detect per single cell?
Depending on the cell size and type, we typically quantify between 1,000 and 3,000 proteins per individual cell. Larger cells (like HeLa) yield higher numbers, while smaller cells (like primary T cells) yield slightly fewer.
Do you accept fixed cells?
Currently, we strongly recommend freshly isolated or flash-frozen cells, as chemical cross-linking from fixation (like PFA) severely impacts peptide recovery and MS sensitivity.
How much does a typical project cost?
Pricing is highly dependent on the number of cells analyzed and the depth of bioinformatics required. We provide custom, itemized quotes following our initial consultation to ensure you only pay for what your study needs.
What is your standard turnaround time?
From the day we receive your sorted plates, standard turnaround time for data delivery is typically 3 to 4 weeks. Expedited processing is available for time-critical studies.
Learn about other Q&A.
Sample Preparation Guidelines
Proper sample preparation is critical for success in single-cell proteomics. We work closely with you to ensure your samples arrive ready for analysis.
| Sample Type | Submission Format | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| FACS-Sorted Cells | 384-well PCR plates | Sorted directly into our provided lysis buffer; plates must be sealed and flash-frozen immediately. |
| Cultured Cells | Cryovials (for us to sort) | Minimum of 1×10^5 cells; high viability (>90%) required; shipped on dry ice. |
| Primary Tissue | Dissociated single-cell suspension | Must be optimized for high viability and minimal debris prior to sorting; shipped frozen. |
NOTE: Please consult with our technical team prior to sample preparation to obtain detailed technical support.
