Less label, more free: approaches in label-free quantitative mass spectrometry.
In this review we examine techniques, software, and statistical analyses used in label-free quantitative proteomics studies for area under the curve and spectral counting approaches. Recent advances in the field are discussed in an order that reflects a logical workflow design. Examples of studies that follow this design are presented to highlight the requirement for statistical assessment and further experiments to validate results from label-free quantitation. Limitations of label-free approaches are considered, label-free approaches are compared with labelling techniques, and forward-looking applications for label-free quantitative data are presented. We conclude that label-free quantitative proteomics is a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective alternative to labelled quantitation.
Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Karlie A
KA
Neilson
Naveid A
NA
Ali
Sridevi
S
Muralidharan
Mehdi
M
Mirzaei
Michael
M
Mariani
Gariné
G
Assadourian
Albert
A
Lee
Steven C
SC
van Sluyter
Paul A
PA
Haynes
D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D010449:Peptide Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods*