Multiplexed phosphoproteomics of low cell numbers using SPARCE

Understanding cellular diversity and disease mechanisms requires global analysis of proteins and their modifications. While next-generation sequencing has advanced our understanding of cellular heterogeneity, it fails to capture downstream signalling networks. Ultrasensitive mass spectrometry-based proteomics enables unbiased protein-level analysis of low cell numbers, down to single cells. However, phosphoproteomics remains limited to high-input samples due to sample losses and poor reaction efficiencies associated with processing low cell numbers. Isobaric stable isotope labelling is a promising approach for reproducible and accurate quantification of low abundant phosphopeptides. Here, we introduce SPARCE (Streamlined Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Rare CElls) for multiplexed phosphoproteomic analysis of low cell numbers. SPARCE integrates cell isolation, water-based lysis, on-tip TMT labelling, and phosphopeptide enrichment. SPARCE outperforms traditional methods by enhancing labelling efficiency and phosphoproteome coverage. To demonstrate the utility of SPARCE, we analysed four patient-derived glioblastoma stem cell lines, reliably quantifying phosphosite changes from 1,000 FACS-sorted cells. This workflow expands the possibilities for signalling analysis of rare cell populations.