EASI-tag enables accurate multiplexed and interference-free MS2-based proteome quantification.

We developed EASI-tag (easily abstractable sulfoxide-based isobaric-tag), a new type of amine-derivatizing and sulfoxide-containing isobaric labeling reagents for highly accurate quantitative proteomics analysis using mass spectrometry. We observed that EASI-tag labels dissociate at low collision energy and generate peptide-coupled, interference-free reporter ions with high yield. Efficient isolation of 12C precursors and quantification at the MS2 level allowed accurate determination of quantitative differences between up to six multiplexed samples.