Conclusions
We detected more than 1350 protein groups in each replicate HCT 116 spheroid. While some variation was detected between replicates, differences in the number of protein groups identified were determined to be the result of random variations in mass spectra acquisition.
Methods
Six biological replicates were analyzed via microscopy for size. Total protein content was assessed via the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA assay). Five separate biological replicate spheroids were analyzed via mass spectrometry in technical duplicate. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system coupled with an LTQ Orbitrap Velos was used for peptide separation, analysis, and identification.
Results
The average diameter of six replicate HCT 116 spheroids was 940 ± 30 µm and the average total protein amount was determined to be 39 ± 4 µg. At least 1300 protein groups were identified in each single LC/MS/MS run with 10% of the material from each single spheroid loaded. Database search results showed variation between spheroid protein group identifications. Pearson correlations show that the disparity in identifications is due to random variations in spectra and protocol. Conclusions: We detected more than 1350 protein groups in each replicate HCT 116 spheroid. While some variation was detected between replicates, differences in the number of protein groups identified were determined to be the result of random variations in mass spectra acquisition.