RESUMEN
Over the last decade, the introduction of microarray technology has had a profound impact on gene expression research. The publication of studies with dissimilar or altogether contradictory results, obtained using different microarray platforms to analyze identical RNA samples, has raised concerns about the reliability of this technology. The MicroArray Quality Control (MAQC) project was initiated to address these concerns, as well as other performance and data analysis issues. Expression data on four titration pools from two distinct reference RNA samples were generated at multiple test sites using a variety of microarray-based and alternative technology platforms. Here we describe the experimental design and probe mapping efforts behind the MAQC project. We show intraplatform consistency across test sites as well as a high level of interplatform concordance in terms of genes identified as differentially expressed. This study provides a resource that represents an important first step toward establishing a framework for the use of microarrays in clinical and regulatory settings.
Asunto(s)
Perfilación de la Expresión Génica/instrumentación , Análisis de Secuencia por Matrices de Oligonucleótidos/instrumentación , Garantía de la Calidad de Atención de Salud/métodos , Diseño de Equipo , Análisis de Falla de Equipo , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica/métodos , Control de Calidad , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Standard controls and best practice guidelines advance acceptance of data from research, preclinical and clinical laboratories by providing a means for evaluating data quality. The External RNA Controls Consortium (ERCC) is developing commonly agreed-upon and tested controls for use in expression assays, a true industry-wide standard control.