Design and Analysis of DNA Microarray Investigations [Hardcover]

The analysis of gene expression profile data from DNA micorarray studies are discussed in this book. It provides a review of available methods and presents it in a manner that is intelligible to biologists. It offers an understanding of the design and analysis of experiments utilizing microarrays to benefit scientists. It includes an Appendix tutorial on the use of BRB-ArrayTools and step by step analyses of several major datasets using this software which is available from the National Cancer Institute.

DNA microarrays are an important technology for studying gene expression. With a single hybridization, the level of expression of thousands of genes, or even an entire genome, can be estimated for a sample of cells. Consequently, manylaboratoriesareattemptingtoutilizeDNAmicroarraysintheirresearch. Whereaslaboratoriesarewellpreparedtoaddressthesigni?cantexperimental challenges in obtaining reproducible data from this RNA-based assay, inv- tigators are less prepared to analyze the large volumes of data produced by DNA microarrays. Although many software packages have been developed for the analysis of DNA microarray data, software alone is insu?cient. One needs knowledge aboutthevariousaspectsofdataanalysisinordertoselectandutilizesoftware e?ectively. There is a plethora of analysis methods being published and it is di?cult for biologists to determine which methods are valid and appropriate for their problems. Many scientists have learned that software is not an adequate substitute for biostatistical knowledge and seek statistical collaborators. Unfortunately, there is presently a shortage of statisticians who are available and knowled- able about DNA microarrays. For statisticians to be e?ective collaborators in anyarea,theymustinvestthetimetounderstandthesubjectmatterareaand become familiar with the literature so that they can ask the right questions and identify the key issues. Our objectives in this book are twofold: to provide scientists with inl“.