Proportion statistics to detect differentially expressed genes: a comparison with log-ratio statistics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In genetic transcription research, gene expression is typically reported in a test sample relative to a reference sample. Laboratory assays that measure gene expression levels, from Q-RT-PCR to microarrays to RNA-Seq experiments, will compare two samples to the same genetic sequence of interest. Standard practice is to use the log(2)-ratio as the measure of relative expression. There are drawbacks to using this measurement, including unstable ratios when the denominator is small. This paper suggests an alternative estimate based on a proportion that is just as simple to calculate, just as intuitive, with the added benefit of greater numerical stability.

Results

Analysis of two groups of mice measured with 16 cDNA microarrays found similar results between the previ

SUBMITTER: Bergemann TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3224106 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature