Non-linear analysis of GeneChip arrays

The application of microarray hybridization theory to Affymetrix GeneChip data has been a recent focus for data analysts. It has been shown that the hyperbolic Langmuir isotherm captures the shape of the signal response to concentration of Affymetrix GeneChips. We demonstrate that existing linear fit methods for extracting gene expression measures are not well adapted for the effect of saturation resulting from surface adsorption processes. In contrast to the most popular methods, we fit background and concentration parameters within a single global fitting routine instead of estimating the background before obtaining gene expression measures. We describe a non-linear multi-chip model of the perfect match signal that effectively allows for the separation of specific and non-specific components of the microarray signal and avoids saturation bias in the high-intensity range. Multimodel inference, incorporated within the fitting routine, allows a quantitative selection of the model that best describes the observed data. The performance of this method is evaluated on publicly available datasets, and comparisons to popular algorithms are presented.     

A stepwise framework for the normalization of array CGH data

Background  

In two-channel competitive genomic hybridization microarray experiments, the ratio of the two fluorescent signal intensities at each spot on the microarray is commonly used to infer the relative amounts of the test and reference sample DNA levels. This ratio may be influenced by systematic measurement effects from non-biological sources that can introduce biases in the estimated ratios. These biases should be removed before drawing conclusions about the relative levels of DNA. The performance of existing gene expression microarray normalization strategies has not been evaluated for removing systematic biases encountered in array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), which aims to detect single copy gains and losses typically in samples with heterogeneous cell populations resulting in only slight shifts in signal ratios. The purpose of this work is to establish a framework for correcting the systematic sources of variation in high density CGH array images, while maintaining the true biological variations.     

Using a microfluidic device for 1 microl DNA microarray hybridization in 500 s

This work describes a novel and simple modification of the current microarray format. It reduces the sample/reagent volume to 1 microl and the hybridization time to 500 s. Both 20mer and 80mer oligonucleotide probes and singly labeled 20mer and 80mer targets, representative of the T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia 1 (TAL1) gene, have been used to elucidate the performance of this hybridization approach. In this format, called shuttle hybridization, a conventional flat glass DNA microarray is integrated with a PMMA microfluidic chip to reduce the sample and reagent consumption to 1/100 of that associated with the conventional format. A serpentine microtrench is designed and fabricated on a PMMA chip using a widely available CO2 laser scriber. The trench spacing is compatible with the inter-spot distance in standard microarrays. The microtrench chip and microarray chip are easily aligned and assembled manually so that the microarray is integrated with a microfluidic channel. Discrete sample plugs are employed in the microchannel for hybridization. Flowing through the microchannel with alternating depths and widths scrambles continuous sample plug into discrete short plugs. These plugs are shuttled back and forth along the channel, sweeping over microarray probes while re-circulation mixing occurs inside the plugs. Integrating the microarrays into the microfluidic channel reduces the DNA-DNA hybridization time from 18 h to 500 s. Additionally, the enhancement of DNA hybridization reaction by the microfluidic device is investigated by determining the coefficient of variation (CV), the growth rate of the hybridization signal and the ability to discriminate single-base mismatch. Detection limit of 19 amol was obtained for shuttle hybridization. A 1 mul target was used to hybridize with an array that can hold 5000 probes.     

Using a microfluidic device for 1 μl DNA microarray hybridization in 500 s

This work describes a novel and simple modification of the current microarray format. It reduces the sample/reagent volume to 1 μl and the hybridization time to 500 s. Both 20mer and 80mer oligonucleotide probes and singly labeled 20mer and 80mer targets, representative of the T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia 1 (TAL1) gene, have been used to elucidate the performance of this hybridization approach. In this format, called shuttle hybridization, a conventional flat glass DNA microarray is integrated with a PMMA microfluidic chip to reduce the sample and reagent consumption to 1/100 of that associated with the conventional format. A serpentine microtrench is designed and fabricated on a PMMA chip using a widely available CO₂ laser scriber. The trench spacing is compatible with the inter-spot distance in standard microarrays. The microtrench chip and microarray chip are easily aligned and assembled manually so that the microarray is integrated with a microfluidic channel. Discrete sample plugs are employed in the microchannel for hybridization. Flowing through the microchannel with alternating depths and widths scrambles continuous sample plug into discrete short plugs. These plugs are shuttled back and forth along the channel, sweeping over microarray probes while re-circulation mixing occurs inside the plugs. Integrating the microarrays into the microfluidic channel reduces the DNA–DNA hybridization time from 18 h to 500 s. Additionally, the enhancement of DNA hybridization reaction by the microfluidic device is investigated by determining the coefficient of variation (CV), the growth rate of the hybridization signal and the ability to discriminate single-base mismatch. Detection limit of 19 amol was obtained for shuttle hybridization. A 1 μl target was used to hybridize with an array that can hold 5000 probes.     

Evaluation of experimental designs for two-color cDNA microarrays.

The major goal of two-color cDNA microarray experiments is to measure the relative gene expression level (i.e., relative amount of mRNA) of each gene between samples in studies of gene expression. More specifically, given an N-sample experiment, we need all N(N - 1)/2 relative expression levels of all sample pairs of each gene for identification of the differentially expressed genes and for clustering of gene expression patterns. However, the intensities observed from two-color cDNA microarray experiments do not simply represent the relative gene expression level. They are composed of signal (gene expression level), noise, and other factors. In discussions on the experimental design of two-color cDNA microarray experiments, little attention has been given to the fact that different combinations of test and control samples will produce microarray intensities data with varying intrinsic composition of factors. As a consequence, not all experimental designs for two-color cDNA microarray experiments are able to provide all possible relative gene expression levels. This phenomenon has never been addressed. To obtain all possible relative gene expression levels, a novel method for two-color cDNA microarray experimental design evaluation is necessary that will allow the making of an accurate choice. In this study, we propose a model-based approach to illustrate how the factor composition of microarray intensities changed with different experimental designs in two-color cDNA microarray experiments. By analyzing 12 experimental designs (including 5 general forms), we demonstrate that not all experimental designs are able to provide all possible relative gene expression levels due to the differences in factor composition. Our results indicate that whether an experimental design can provide all possible relative expression levels of all sample pairs for each gene should be the first criterion to be considered in an evaluation of experimental designs for two-color cDNA microarray experiments.     

Microarray gene expression analysis free of reverse transcription and dye labeling

A new microarray system has been developed for gene expression analysis using cationic gold nanoparticles with diameters of 250 nm as a target detection reagent. The approach utilizes nonlabeled target molecules hybridizing with complementary probes on the array, followed by incubation in a colloidal gold solution. The hybridization signal results from the precipitation of nanogold particles on the hybridized spots due to the electrostatic attraction of the cationic gold particles and the anionic phosphate groups in the target DNA backbone. In contrast to conventional fluorescent detection, this nanoparticle-based detection system eliminates the target labeling procedure. The visualization of hybridization signals can be accomplished with a flatbed scanner instead of a confocal laser scanner, which greatly simplifies the process and reduces the cost. The sensitivity is estimated to be less than 2 pg of DNA molecules captured on the array surface. The signal from hybridized spots quantitatively represents the amount of captured target DNA and therefore permits quantitative gene expression analysis. Cross-array reproducibility is adequate for detecting twofold or less signal changes across two microarray experiments.     

cDNA微阵列技术研究干旱胁迫下星星草基因的表达

运用cDNA微阵列技术研究干旱胁迫下星星草基因的表达。制备了载有660条星星草单一基因的cDNA微阵列。分别对干旱胁迫和对照星星草的mRNA进行荧光标记,并与载有星星草基因的cDNA微阵列进行杂交,通过芯片的杂交信号强度分析,共获得22个下调表达和17个上调表达的基因。BLASTX分析表明这些基因按功能可以分为脱水保护、信号转导与调控、活性氧清除、代谢、核糖体蛋白等几大类。发现了一些与干旱胁迫相关的功能未知基因和新基因。     

基因芯片技术及其在植物上的应用

基因芯片技术（gene chip technology)是采用光导原位合成或缩微印刷等方法,将大量特定的DNA探针片段有序地固定于固相载体的表面,形成DNA微阵列,然后与待测的标记样品靶DNA或RNA分子杂交,对杂交信号进行扫描及计算机检测分析,从而获取所需的生物信息。该技术在植物研究中广泛应用于寻找特异性相关基因和新基因,基因表达分析,基因突变和多态性检测,DNA测序等。     

Relationship between gene expression and observed intensities in DNA microarrays--a modeling study

A theoretical study of the physical properties which determine the variation in signal strength from probe to probe on a microarray is presented. A model which incorporates probe-target hybridization, as well as the subsequent dissociation which occurs during stringent washing of the microarray, is introduced and shown to reasonably describe publicly available spike-in experiments carried out at Affymetrix. In particular, this model suggests that probe-target dissociation during the stringent wash plays a critical role in determining the observed hybridization intensities. In addition, it is demonstrated that non-specific hybridization introduces uncertainties which significantly limit the ability of any model to accurately quantify absolute gene expression levels while, in contrast, target folding appears to have little effect on these results. Finally, for data from target spike-in experiments, our model is shown to compare favorably with an existing statistical model in determining target concentration levels.     

结合SSH和cDNA芯片技术在植物研究中的应用

抑制性差减杂交(Suppression Subtractive Hybridization,SSH)技术是分离差异表达基因的一种新方法。cDNA芯片也是近年来发展起来的一种新技术,它是指将大量的特定的寡核苷酸片段或基因片段作为探针,有规律地排列固定于硅片、玻片、塑料片等固相支持物上制成的芯片。本文主要介绍抑制差减杂交和cDNA芯片技术原理及其在植物研究中的应用。     

基因芯片在衣原体研究中的应用

基因芯片又称为DNA微阵列,是指将大量核酸片段以预先设计的方式固定在载体上组成密集分子阵列,与荧光素或其他方式标记的样品进行杂交,通过检测杂交信号的强弱来判断样品中有无靶分子以及对靶分子进行定量,是一种研究生物大分子功能的新技术。在衣原体研究方面,基因芯片主要应用于衣原体的检测与分型、感染机制的研究、特定基因作用分析、毒力及耐药基因的筛选等。     

Statistically designing microarrays and microarray experiments to enhance sensitivity and specificity

Gene expression signatures from microarray experiments promise to provide important prognostic tools for predicting disease outcome or response to treatment. A number of microarray studies in various cancers have reported such gene signatures. However, the overlap of gene signatures in the same disease has been limited so far, and some reported signatures have not been reproduced in other populations. Clearly, the methods used for verifying novel gene signatures need improvement. In this article, we describe an experiment in which microarrays and sample hybridization are designed according to the statistical principles of randomization, replication and blocking. Our results show that such designs provide unbiased estimation of differential expression levels as well as powerful tests for them.     

Relationship between gene expression and observed intensities in DNA microarrays—a modeling study

A theoretical study of the physical properties which determine the variation in signal strength from probe to probe on a microarray is presented. A model which incorporates probe-target hybridization, as well as the subsequent dissociation which occurs during stringent washing of the microarray, is introduced and shown to reasonably describe publicly available spike-in experiments carried out at Affymetrix. In particular, this model suggests that probe-target dissociation during the stringent wash plays a critical role in determining the observed hybridization intensities. In addition, it is demonstrated that non-specific hybridization introduces uncertainties which significantly limit the ability of any model to accurately quantify absolute gene expression levels while, in contrast, target folding appears to have little effect on these results. Finally, for data from target spike-in experiments, our model is shown to compare favorably with an existing statistical model in determining target concentration levels.     

基因芯片技术及应用研究进展

采用高速打印或光刻合成技术可在硅片、玻璃或尼龙膜上制造ＤＮＡ微阵列。样品ＤＮＡ／ＲＮＡ通过ＰＣＲ扩增、体外转录等技术掺入荧光标记分子,与微阵列杂交后通过荧光扫描仪器扫描及计算机分析即可获得样品中大量基因序列及表达的信息。该技术可应用于高通量基因表达平行分析、大规模基因发现及序列分析、基因多态性分析和基因组研究等 。     

The Potential of Genomic Approaches to Rotifer Ecology

Rotifers are a key component of many freshwater ecosystems, but surveys of the composition of rotifer communities are limited by the labor-intensiveness of sample processing, particularly of non-planktonic taxa, and by the shortage of investigators qualified to identify a broad range of rotifer species. Additional problems are posed by species that must be identified from living specimens, and by members of cryptic species complexes. As DNA sequencing becomes easier and cheaper, it has become practical to obtain representative DNA sequences from identified rotifer species for use in genome-based surveys to determine which rotifers are present in a new sample, avoiding the difficulties of traditional surveys. Here we discuss two genome-based tools used in surveys of microbial communities: serial analysis of gene tags (SAGT) and microarray hybridization. SAGT is a method for inexpensively obtaining characteristic short DNA sequences from a sample that can both identify taxa for which the tag sequence is known and signal the presence of additional uncharacterized species. Microarray hybridization allows detection of DNA sequences in the sample that are identical or similar to sequences present on the microarray. We also report the construction and hybridization of a small microarray of rotifer sequences, demonstrating that this method can discriminate among bdelloid families, and is likely to make much finer discriminations if appropriate sequences are present on the microarray. These techniques are most powerful when combined with traditional systematics in collaborative efforts, which may be fostered through the data base of rotifer biology, WheelBase (http://jbpc.mbl.edu/wheelbase).     

Properties of hybridization isotherms upon binding of ligands on microchips

A simple thermodynamic model describing microarray oligo-target hybridization has been constructed. The relationship between the hybridization signal intensity and Gibbs free energy for oligo-target duplex formation has been considered. The behavior of this function, which we called energy hybridization isotherm, in response to target concentration change was modeled at different ratios of oligo/target concentrations. The results of modeling were compared with the relevant and currently available data from microarray adsorption experiments.     

DNA芯片技术中利用内标对数据归一化后检测基因的表达变化

在DNA芯片技术中 ,通过反转录反应 ,由mRNA合成带有荧光标记物的cDNA的过程中 ,往往要参入已知质量的poly(A) + RNA ,以对DNA芯片的检测灵敏度进行归一化处理 .通过体外转录的方法 ,以真核生物的cDNA克隆中的DNA片段为模板合成poly(A) +RNA ,对之定量后 ,以不同的质量比参入到样品的反转录体系中 ,代表不同的RNA拷贝丰度 ,从而对DNA芯片检测的灵敏度进行了定量 ,并得到DNA芯片上杂交点的荧光信号强度与基因表达的RNA拷贝数成正相关的关系 .利用含有内标的DNA芯片检测了热击反应后酵母细胞的基因表达变化 ,结果与Northern印迹方法检测结果是相符的