Analyzing Variation in Gene Expression Using Microarrays
Author Information
Author(s): Scott Cinda P. VanWye, Jeff McDonald, M. Danielle Crawford, Douglas L.
Primary Institution: University of Miami
Hypothesis
How does technical variation affect the accuracy of gene expression measurements using microarrays?
Conclusion
Microarray measures using standard laboratory procedures can be precise and quantitative and are not subject to significant random biological noise.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found that for a wide range of mRNA concentrations, the fluorescent signal is a linear function of the amount of mRNA.
- Only 11% of genes showed significant differences between single and double rounds of amplification.
- There were few meaningful differences in gene expression among time points across the six-week study.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different methods of measuring gene expression can change the results, and found that using careful techniques can give reliable data.
Methodology
The study involved measuring mRNA expression from the same five individuals over a six-week time course and analyzing the relationship between mRNA amount and fluorescent signal from microarray hybridizations.
Potential Biases
Potential biases could arise from the specific RNA isolation and labeling methods used.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific fish species, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other organisms.
Participant Demographics
The study involved five individuals of the teleost fish Fundulus heteroclitus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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