Performing Quantitative Determination of Low-Abundant Proteins by Targeted Mass Spectrometry Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

Mass spectrometry coupled to nanoliquid chromatography aims to be an alternative to antibody‐based determination of low‐abundant proteins. High‐resolution mass spec‐ trometers, plug‐and‐play systems and pumps have been developed for this purpose. Important aspects of approaches are limit of detection, specificity, variability and cost. In this chapter, the most recent literature (from 2008) has been reviewed and a check‐ list/workflow for targeted proteomics is presented with special focus on low‐abundant proteins in complex matrices. The chapter is intended to serve as a starting point for low‐abundant target determination and highlights some of the most central studies in this field.