Playing tag with quantitative proteomics.

There is steady need for new proteomic strategies on quantitative measurements that provide essential components for detailing dynamic changes in many cellular functions and processes. Stable isotope labeling is a rapidly evolving field, which can be used either after protein extraction with chemical labeling, or in cell culture with metabolic incorporation. In this review, we explore the most frequently utilized quantitation techniques with particular attention paid to chemical labeling using different isotopic tags, including a recent labeling strategy-soluble polymer-based isotopic labeling (SoPIL)-that achieves efficient labeling in homogeneous conditions. Special care should be devoted to the selection of appropriate quantitation approaches according to the needs of the sample and overall experimental design. We evaluate recent advances in quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labeling and their applications to current insightful biological inquiries.