Single-cell proteomic chip for profiling intracellular signaling pathways in single tumor cells

Qihui Shi, Lidong Qin, Wei Wei, Feng Geng, Rong Fan, Young Shik Shin, Deliang Guo, Leroy Hood, Paul S. Mischel, James R. Heath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

279 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe a microchip designed to quantify the levels of a dozen cytoplasmic and membrane proteins from single cells. We use the platform to assess protein-protein interactions associated with the EGF-receptor-mediated PI3K signaling pathway. Single-cell sensitivity is achieved by isolating a defined number of cells (n = 0-5) in 2 nL volume chambers, each of which is patterned with two copies of a miniature antibody array. The cells are lysed on-chip, and the levels of released proteins are assayed using the antibody arrays. We investigate three isogenic cell lines representing the cancer glioblastoma multiforme, at the basal level, under EGF stimulation, and under erlotinib inhibition plus EGF stimulation. The measured protein abundances are consistent with previous work, and single-cell analysis uniquely reveals single-cell heterogeneity, and different types and strengths of protein-protein interactions. This platform helps provide a comprehensive picture of altered signal transduction networks in tumor cells and provides insight into the effect of targeted therapies on protein signaling networks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)419-424
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume109
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 10 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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