Single-cell metabolite analysis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Vol. 143; p. 116351
• Main Authors: Zhu, Guizhen, Shao, Yunlong, Liu, Yuanxing, Pei, Tong, Li, Lijie, Zhang, Dongtang, Guo, Guangsheng, Wang, Xiayan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Analytical methods; Cellular heterogeneity; Electrospray ionization; Mass spectrometry; Metabolite analysis; Single cell; Single cell; Analytical methods; Cellular heterogeneity; Metabolite analysis; Mass spectrometry; Electrospray ionization
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116351

Many diseases are related to abnormal metabolites in cells. It is of great significance to analyze the metabolites for cellular physiological, pathological, and pharmacological research. Metabolite analysis at the single-cell level is extremely important due to cell heterogeneity. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has become an indispensable method for single-cell metabolite analysis with the following advantages: detection of unlabeled substrates, in situ and real-time in vivo analyses, broad-spectrum analysis, and excellent qualitative ability. In this review, we discuss published articles in the field of single-cell metabolite analysis by ESI-MS over recent years. ESI-MS methods are classified and reviewed according to the methods of obtaining single-cell samples. The achievements with respect to different approaches to sensitivity, throughput, coverage, and system stability are reviewed, and the methods with great breakthroughs are summarized and discussed. Finally, the development trend of single-cell metabolite analysis by ESI-MS is prospected. Metabolite analysis at the single-cell level is extremely important due to cell heterogeneity. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has become an indispensable method for single-cell metabolite analysis. [Display omitted] •Single-cell metabolite analysis by ESI-MS has been reviewed.•ESI-MS methods are classified according to the methods of obtaining single-cell samples.•The achievements of different methods in terms of sensitivity, throughput, coverage, and system stability are discussed.•The development trend of single-cell metabolite analysis by ESI-MS is prospected.