Gene Expression Studies Using Affymetrix Microarrays

Though Affymetrix GeneChip^® system is one of the most widely adapted microarray platforms, due to the preponderance of available information many researchers compromise their findings by never going beyond the system’s default settings. Explaining the entire process of a gene expression study from conception to conclusion, this multidisciplinary work offers valuable instruction and insight for novice and experienced researchers alike. The authors show how to optimize experiments and data analysis using Affymetrix as well as other microarray platforms, and explain various analysis methods via illustrative examples using R and BioConductor.

The Affymetrix GeneChip^® system is one of the most widely adapted microarray platforms. However, due to the overwhelming amount of information available, many Affymetrix users tend to stick to the default analysis settings and may end up drawing sub-optimal conclusions. Written by a molecular biologist and a biostatistician with a combined decade of experience in practical expression profiling experiments and data analyses, Gene Expression Studies Using Affymetrix Microarrays tears down the omnipresent language barriers among molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biostatistics by explaining the entire process of a gene expression study from conception to conclusion.

This authoritative resource covers important technical and statistical pitfalls and problems, helping not only to explain concepts outside the domain of researchers, but to provide additional guidance in their field of expertise. The book also describes technical and statistical methods conceptually with illustrative, full-color examples, enabling those inexperienced with gene expression studies to grasp the basic principles.

Gene Expression Studies Using Affymetrix Microarrays provides novices with a detailed, yet focused introductory course and practical user guide. Specialized experts will also find it useful as a translation dictionary to understand other involved disciplines or to get a broader picture of microarray gene expression studies in general. Although focusing on Affymetrix gene expression, this globally relevant guide covers topics that are equally useful for other microarray platforms and other Affymetrix applications.