In a genome-wide expression study using a dna microarray assay, what is each spot used to detect?
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology enables rapid profiling and deep investigation of the transcriptome, for any species. This approach offers a number of advantages compared to microarray analysis, a legacy technology often used in gene expression studies. Show Ability to detect novel transcripts: Unlike arrays, RNA-Seq technology does not require species- or transcript-specific probes. It can detect novel transcripts, gene fusions, single nucleotide variants, indels (small insertions and deletions), and other previously unknown changes that arrays cannot detect.1,2 Wider dynamic range: With array hybridization technology, gene expression measurement is limited by background at the low end and signal saturation at the high end. RNA-Seq technology produces discrete, digital sequencing read counts, and can quantify expression across a larger dynamic range (>105 for RNA-Seq vs. 103 for arrays).1,2,3 Higher specificity and sensitivity: Compared to microarrays, RNA-Seq technology can detect a higher percentage of differentially expressed genes, especially genes with low expression.4-6 Simple detection of rare and low-abundance transcripts: Sequencing coverage depth can easily be increased to detect rare transcripts, single transcripts per cell, or weakly expressed genes. Transitioning from Arrays to RNA-Seq Access a detailed comparison of microarray and RNA-Seq technologies, from the perspective of a sequencing service provider. Read Article
Steve McPhail |