SWATH Quantitative Proteomics

"SWATH" is the abbreviation of "Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra", a mass spectrometry technology commonly used for quantitative proteomics analysis. Today, let's learn about the basic principles and features of SWATH quantitative proteomics together:

 

Basic Principles

In SWATH analysis, the mass spectrometer continuously and automatically scans a series of mass windows, covering all potential precursor ions. In this way, theoretically all possible ions are detected. Compared to qualitative data-dependent acquisition (DDA), SWATH provides a more systematic, unbiased data collection method for data-independent acquisition (DIA).

 

Quantitative Characteristics

The feature of SWATH is that it can perform high-throughput, high-reproducibility, and high-accuracy multi-component quantitative analysis in complex samples. This makes it particularly suitable for research that requires large-scale sample queue comparisons, such as biomarker discovery.

 

Data Processing

Due to the complexity of the data collected by SWATH, it usually requires specific software and algorithms for data extraction and quantification. These software use pre-acquired spectral libraries of proteins/peptides to assist in identification and quantification.

 

Application Fields

SWATH mass spectrometry technology is applied in various biological research, including biomarker identification, pathway analysis, protein-protein interaction research, etc.

 

Comparison with Other Technologies

Compared with traditional data-dependent acquisition (DDA) technology, SWATH provides better quantitative reproducibility and a wider dynamic range. However, due to its data complexity, data analysis may be more challenging.