Systems and computer software products for gene expression analysis

Abstract

Methods and computer software products are provided for analyzing gene expression data. In one embodiment, non-parametric statistics is used to determine whether a transcript is detected in a sample.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is related to bioinformatics and biological data analysis. Specifically, this invention provides methods, computer software products and systems for the analysis of biological data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many biological functions are carried out by regulating the expression levels of various genes, either through changes in the copy number of the genetic DNA, through changes in levels of transcription (e.g. through control of initiation, provision of RNA precursors, RNA processing, etc.) of particular genes, or through changes in protein synthesis. For example, control of the cell cycle and cell differentiation, as well as diseases, are characterized by the variations in the transcription levels of a group of genes.

Recently, massive parallel gene expression monitoring methods have been developed to monitor the expression of a large number of genes using nucleic acid array technology which was described in detail in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,928; de Saizieu, et al., 1998, Bacteria Transcript Imagine by Hybridization of total RNA to Oligonucleotide Arrays, NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY, 16:45-48; Wodicka et al., 1997, Genome-wide Expression Monitoring in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY 15:1359-1367; Lockhart et al., 1996, Expression Monitoring by Hybridization to High Density Oligonucleotide Arrays. NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY 14:1675-1680; Lander, 1999, Array of Hope, NATURE-GENETICS, 21(suppl.), at 3.

Massive parallel gene expression monitoring experiments generate unprecedented amounts of information. For example, a commercially available GeneChip® array set is capable of monitoring the expression levels of approximately 6,500 murine genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) (Affymetrix, Inc, Santa Clara, Calif., USA). Array sets for approximately 60,000 human genes and EST clusters, 24,000 rat transcripts and EST clusters and arrays for other organisms are also available from Affymetrix. Effective analysis of the large amount of data may lead to the development of new drugs and new diagnostic tools. Therefore, there is a great demand in the art for methods for organizing, accessing and analyzing the vast amount of information collected using massive parallel gene expression monitoring methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides methods, systems and computer software products suitable for analyzing data from gene expression monitoring experiments that employ multiple probes against a single target.

In one aspect of the invention, non-parametric statistical analysis is employed to analyze results of multiple probe gene expression experiments with control probes such as mismatch probes. In some embodiments, each target sub-region of a transcript is detected using two probes. One of probes is a perfect match (PM) probe that is designed to be completely complementary to a reference or target transcript. A mismatch (MM) probe is a probe that is designed to be complementary to a reference sequence except for some mismatches that may significantly affect the hybridization between the probe and its target sequence. In preferred embodiments, MM probes are designed to be complementary to a reference sequence except for a homomeric base mismatch at the central (e.g., 13^th in a 25 base probe) position. Mismatch probes are normally used as controls for cross-hybridization. A probe pair is usually composed of a PM and its corresponding MM probe. The difference between PM and MM provides an intensity difference in a probe pair.

In one aspect of the invention, computer implemented methods are used for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample. The methods include step of providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and mismatch intensity values (MM_i) for the transcript, where each of the PM_i is paired with one of the MM_i; calculating a p-value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, where the p-value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>the threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and mismatch intensity values; and indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p-value.

In some embodiments, the testing statistic is median(PM_i−MM_i). The threshold value may be zero. In some preferred embodiments, the threshold value is calculated using τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} wherein said c₁ is a constant. Alternatively, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} wherein c₁ is a constant.

The presence, marginal present or absence (detected, marginally detected or undetected) of a transcript may be called based upon the p-value and significance levels. Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. Note that for the one-sided test, if null hypothesis is true, the most likely observed p-value is 0.5, which is equivalent to 1 for the two-sided test. Let p be the p-value of one sided signed rank test. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls. In some preferred embodiments, 0<α₁<α₂<0.06. In some particularly preferred embodiments, α₁ is around 0.04 and α₂ is around 0.06.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the testing statistic is median((PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i=MM_i)). In these embodiments, the threshold value is a constant. Typically, the threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05. Most preferably, the threshold value is around 0.015.

In another aspect of the invention, computer implemented methods are provided for analyzing gene expression experiments where a transcript is detected with multiple probes. The method include steps of providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and background intensity values (B_i) for the transcript, where each of the PM_i is paired with its corresponding B_i; calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein the p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that the θ>the threshold value, where the θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p-value. In preferred embodiments, the testing statistic is median(PM_i−B_i).

The threshold value can be zero. However, in preferred embodiments, the threshold value is calculated using τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} where the c₁ is a constant. Alternatively, the threshold value is calculated using: Σ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} where the c₃ is a constant.

The presence, marginal present or absence (detected, marginally detected or undetected) of a transcript may be called based upon the p-value and significance levels. Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. Note that for the one-sided test, if null hypothesis is true, the most likely observed p-value is 0.5, which is equivalent to 1 for the two-sided test. Let p be the p-value of one-sided signed rank test. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls. In some preferred embodiments, 0<α₁<α₂<0.06. In some particularly preferred embodiments, α₁ is around 0.04 and α_{2 is} around 0.06.

In another aspect, computer software products are provided. The computer software products include computer program code for inputting a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and mismatch intensity values (MM_i) for a transcript, wherein each of the PM_i is paired with one of the MM_i; computer program code for calculating a p value using one-sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein the p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that the θ>the threshold value, wherein the θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and mismatch intensity values; computer program code for indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p value; and a computer readable media for storing the computer program codes. In some preferred embodiments of the computer software products, the testing statistic is median(PM_i−MM_i). The threshold value may be zero in some embodiments. In preferred embodiments, however, the threshold value is calculated using τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} where the c₁ is a constant or using τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} where the c₁ is a constant.

In some particularly preferred embodiments of the computer software products of the invention, the testing statistic is median((PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i−MM_i)) and threshold value is a constant. The computer program product may contain code for accepting user's selection or input of the threshold value. A default value may be used as well. Typically, the threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the threshold value is around 0.015.

The presence, marginal present or absence (detected, marginally detected or undetected) of a transcript may be called based upon the p-value and significance levels. Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls. In some preferred embodiments, 0<α₁<α₂<0.06. In some particularly preferred embodiments, α₁ is around 0.04 and α₂ is around 0.06.

The computer software product may include computer program code for indicating that the transcript is present, absent or marginally absent. The computer program code, when executed, may indicate the result by causing the display of the result on a display device such as a screen. Alternatively, the result may be outputted into a file. In addition, the result may be temporary stored in a computer memory device so that other computer program module may access this result. In some preferred embodiments, the computer software products may include code to accept user's selection of various significance levels.

In addition, the present invention includes computer software products for analyzing the presence of a transcript without using mismatch intensities. The computer software product includes computer program code for providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and background intensity values (B_i) for a transcript, wherein each of the PM_i is paired with one of the B_i; computer program code for calculating a p-value using one-sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein said p-value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that the θ>the threshold value, where the θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and computer program code for indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p-value; and a computer readable media for storing the codes. The testing statistic may be median(PM_i−B_i). The threshold value can be zero. In preferred embodiments, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} where the c₃ is a constant and alternatively, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} where the c₃ is a constant.

The computer software product may include computer program code for indicating that the transcript is present, absent or marginally absent. The computer program code, when executed, may indicate the result by causing the display of the result on a display device such as a screen. Alternatively, the result may be outputted into a file. In addition, the result may be temporary stored in a computer memory device so that other computer program module may access this result. In some preferred embodiments, the computer software products may include code to accept user's selection of various significance levels.

In addition, systems for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample are also provided. The systems include a processor; and a memory being coupled to the processor, the memory storing a plurality machine instructions that cause the processor to perform a plurality of logical steps when implemented by the processor; the logical steps include the method steps of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a computer system that may be utilized to execute the software of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system block diagram of the computer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing a set of probes with 20 probe pairs.

FIG. 4 is a schematic showing a computerized method for detecting transcript.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a process for detecting a transcript using a statistic median (PM_i−MM_i).

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing a process for detecting a transcript using a statistic median((PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i+MM_i)).

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing a process for detecting a transcript without using mismatch intensity values,

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing a process for detecting a large number of transcripts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. All cited references, including patent and non-patent literature, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

I. Gene Expression Monitoring With High Density Oligonucleotide Probe Arrays

High density nucleic acid probe arrays, also referred to as “DNA Microarrays,” have become a method of choice for monitoring the expression of a large number of genes. As used herein, “Nucleic acids” may include any polymer or oligomer of nucleosides or nucleotides (polynucleotides or oligonucleotidies), which include pyrimidine and purine bases, preferably cytosine, thymine, and uracil, and adenine and guanine, respectively. See Albert L. Lehninger, PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY, at 793-800 (Worth Pub. 1982) and L. Stryer BIOCHEMISTRY, 4^th Ed., (March 1995), both incorporated by reference. “Nucleic acids” may include any deoxyribonucleotide, ribonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid component, and any chemical variants thereof, such as methylated, hydroxymethylated or glucosylated forms of these bases, and the like. The polymers or oligomers may be heterogeneous or homogeneous in composition, and may be isolated from naturally-occurring sources or may be artificially or synthetically produced. In addition, the nucleic acids may be DNA or RNA, or a mixture thereof, and may exist permanently or transitionally in single-stranded or double-stranded form, including homoduplex, heteroduplex, and hybrid states.

“A target molecule” refers to a biological molecule of interest. The biological molecule of interest can be a ligand, receptor, peptide, nucleic acid (oligonucleotide or polynucleotide of RNA or DNA), or any other of the biological molecules listed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,934 at col. 5, line 66 to col. 7, line 51. For example, if transcripts of genes are the interest of an experiment, the target molecules would be the transcripts. Other examples include protein fragments, small molecules, etc. “Target nucleic acid” refers to a nucleic acid (often derived from a biological sample) of interest. Frequently, a target molecule is detected using one or more probes. As used herein, a “probe” is a molecule for detecting a target molecule. It can be any of the molecules in the same classes as the target referred to above. A probe may refer to a nucleic acid, such as an oligonucleotide, capable of binding to a target nucleic acid of complementary sequence through one or more types of chemical bonds, usually through complementary base pairing, usually through hydrogen bond formation. As used herein, a probe may include natural (i.e. A, G, U, C, or T) or modified bases (7-deazaguanosine, inosine, etc.). In addition, the bases in probes may be joined by a linkage other than a phosphodiester bond, so long as the bond does not interfere with hybridization. Thus, probes may be peptide nucleic acids in which the constituent bases are joined by peptide bonds rather than phosphodiester linkages. Other examples of probes include antibodies used to detect peptides or other molecules, any ligands for detecting its binding partners. When referring to targets or probes as nucleic acids, it should be understood that there are illustrative embodiments that are not to limit the invention in any way.

In preferred embodiments, probes may be immobilized on substrates to create an array. An “array” may comprise a solid support with peptide or nucleic acid or other molecular probes attached to the support. Arrays typically comprise a plurality of different nucleic acids or peptide probes that are coupled to a surface of a substrate in different, known locations. These arrays, also described as “microarrays” or colloquially “chips” have been generally described in the art, for example, in Fodor et al., Science, 251:767-777 (1991), which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. Methods of forming high density arrays of oligonucleotides, peptides and other polymer sequences with a minimal number of synthetic steps are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854, 5,252,743,5,384,261, 5,405,783, 5,424,186, 5,429,807, 5,445,943, 5,510,270, 5,677,195, 5,571,639, 6,040,138, all incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The oligonucleotide analogue array can be synthesized on a solid substrate by a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, light-directed chemical coupling, and mechanically directed coupling. See Pirrung et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 (see also PCT Application No. WO 90/15070) and Fodor et al., PCT Publication Nos. WO 92/10092 and WO 93/09668, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,677,195, 5,800,992 and 6,156,501 which disclose methods of forming vast arrays of peptides, oligonucleotides and other molecules using, for example, light-directed synthesis techniques. See also, Fodor et al., Science, 251, 767-77 (1991). These procedures for synthesis of polymer arrays are now referred to as VLSIPS™ procedures. Using the VLSIPS™ approach, one heterogeneous array of polymers is converted, through simultaneous coupling at a number of reaction sites, into a different heterogeneous array. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,384,261 and 5,677,195.

Methods for making and using molecular probe arrays, particularly nucleic acid probe arrays are also disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854, 5,242,974, 5,252,743, 5,324,633, 5,384,261, 5,405,783, 5,409,810, 5,412,087, 5,424,186, 5,429,807, 5,445,934, 5,451,683, 5,482,867, 5,489,678, 5,491,074, 5,510,270, 5,527,681, 5,527,681, 5,541,061, 5,550,215, 5,554,501, 5,556,752, 5,556,961, 5,571,639, 5,583,211, 5,593,839, 5,599,695, 5,607,832, 5,624,711, 5,677,195, 5,744,101, 5,744,305, 5,753,788, 5,770,456, 5,770,722, 5,831,070, 5,856,101, 5,885,837, 5,889,165, 5,919,523, 5,922,591, 5,925,517, 5,658,734, 6,022,963, 6,150,147, 6,147,205, 6,153,743, 6,140,044 and D430024, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. Typically, a nucleic acid sample is a labeled with a signal moiety, such as a fluorescent label. The sample is hybridized with the array under appropriate conditions. The arrays are washed or otherwise processed to remove non-hybridized sample nucleic acids. The hybridization is then evaluated by detecting the distribution of the label on the chip. The distribution of label may be detected by scanning the arrays to determine florescence intensities distribution. Typically, the hybridization of each probe is reflected by several pixel intensities. The raw intensity data may be stored in a gray scale pixel intensity file. The GATC™ Consortium has specified several file formats for storing array intensity data. The final software specification is available at www.gatcconsortium.org and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The pixel intensity files are usually large. For example, a GATC™ compatible image file may be approximately 50 Mb if there are about 5000 pixels on each of the horizontal and vertical axes and if a two byte integer is used for every pixel intensity. The pixels may be grouped into cells (see, GATC™ software specification). The probes in a cell are designed to have the same sequence (i.e., each cell is a probe area). A CEL file contains the statistics of a cell, e.g., the 75 percentile and standard deviation of intensities of pixels in a cell. The 75 percentile of pixel intensity of a cell is often used as the intensity of the cell. Methods for signal detection and processing of intensity data are additionally disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,547,839, 5,578,832, 5,631,734, 5,800,992, 5,856,092, 5,936,324, 5,981,956, 6,025,601, 6,090,555, 6,141,096, 6,141,096, and 5,902,723. Methods for array based assays, computer software for data analysis and applications are additionally disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,527,670, 5,527,676, 5,545,531, 5,622,829, 5,631,128, 5,639,423, 5,646,039, 5,650,268, 5,654,155, 5,674,742, 5,710,000, 5,733,729, 5,795,716, 5,814,450, 5,821,328, 5,824,477, 5,834,252, 5,834,758, 5,837,832, 5,843,655, 5,856,086, 5,856,104, 5,856,174, 5,858,659, 5,861,242, 5,869,244, 5,871,928, 5,874,219, 5,902,723, 5,925,525, 5,928,905, 5,935,793, 5,945,334, 5,959,098, 5,968,730, 5,968,740, 5,974,164, 5,981,174, 5,981,185,5,985,651, 6,013,440, 6,013,449, 6,020,135, 6,027,880, 6,027,894, 6,033,850, 6,033,860, 6,037,124, 6,040,138, 6,040,193, 6,043,080, 6,045,996, 6,050,719, 6,066,454, 6,083,697, 6,114,116, 6,114,122, 6,121,048, 6,124,102, 6,130,046, 6,132,580, 6,132,996 and 6,136,269, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

Nucleic acid probe array technology, use of such arrays, analysis array based experiments, associated computer software, composition for making the array and practical applications of the nucleic acid arrays are also disclosed, for example, in the following U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 07/838,607, 07/883,327, 07/978,940, 08/030,138, 08/082,937, 08/143,312, 08/327,522, 08/376,963, 08/440,742, 08/533,582, 08/643,822, 08/772,376, 09/013,596, 09/016,564, 09/019,882, 09/020,743, 09/030,028, 09/045,547, 09/060,922, 09/063,311,09/076,575, 09/079,324,09/086,285, 09/093,947,09/097,675, 09/102,167, 09/102,986, 09/122,167, 09/122,169, 09/122,216, 09/122,304, 09/122,434, 09/126,645, 09/127,115, 09/132,368, 09/134,758, 09/138,958, 09/146,969, 09/148,210, 09/148,813, 09/170,847, 09/172,190, 09/174,364, 09/199,655, 09/203,677, 09/256,301, 09/285,658, 09/294,293, 09/318,775, 09/326,137, 09/326,374, 09/341,302, 09/354,935, 09/358,664, 09/373,984, 09/377,907, 09/383,986, 09/394,230, 09/396,196, 09/418,044, 09/418,946, 09/420,805, 09/428,350, 09/431,964, 09/445,734, 09/464,350, 09/475,209, 09/502,048, 09/510,643, 09/513,300, 09/516,388, 09/528,414, 09/535,142, 09/544,627, 09/620,780, 09/640,962, 09/641,081, 09/670,510, 09/685,011, and 09/693,204 and in the following Patent Cooperative Treaty (PCT) applications/publications: PCT/NL90/00081, PCT/GB91/00066, PCT/US91/08693, PCT/US91/09226, PCT/US91/09217, WO/93/10161, PCT/US92/10183, PCT/GB93/00147, PCT/US93/01152, WO/93/22680, PCT/US93/04145, PCT/US93/08015, PCT/US94/07106, PCT/US94/12305, PCT/GB95/00542, PCT/US95/07377, PCT/US95/02024, PCT/US96/05480, PCT/US96/11147, PCT/US96/14839, PCT/US96/15606, PCT/US97/01603, PCT/US97/02102, PCT/GB97/005566, PCT/US97/06535, PCT/GB97/01148, PCT/GB97/01258, PCT/US97/08319, PCT/US97/08446, PCT/US97/10365, PCT/US97/17002, PCT/US97/16738, PCT/US97/19665, PCT/US97/20313, PCT/US97/21209, PCT/US97/21782, PCT/US97/23360, PCT/US98/06414, PCT/US98/01206, PCT/GB98/00975, PCT/US98/04280, PCT/US98/04571, PCT/US98/05438, PCT/US98/05451, PCT/US98/12442, PCT/US98/12779, PCT/US98/12930, PCT/US98/13949, PCT/US98/15151, PCT/US98/15469, PCT/US98/15458, PCT/US98/15456, PCT/US98/16971, PCT/US98/16686, PCT/US99/19069, PCT/US98/18873, PCT/US98/18541, PCT/US98/19325, PCT/US98/22966, PCT/US98/26925, PCT/US98/27405 and PCT/IB99/00048, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. All the above cited patent applications and other references cited throughout this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

The embodiments of the invention will be described using GeneChip® high oligonucleotide density probe arrays (available from Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., USA) as exemplary embodiments. One of skill the art would appreciate that the embodiments of the invention are not limited to high density oligonucleotide probe arrays. In contrast, the embodiments of the invention are useful for analyzing any parallel large scale biological analysis, such as those using nucleic acid probe array, protein arrays, etc.

Gene expression monitoring using GeneChip® high density oligonucleotide probe arrays are described in, for example, Lockhart et al., 1996, Expression Monitoring By Hybridization to High Density Oligonucleotide Arrays, Nature Biotechnology 14:1675-1680; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,040,138 and 5,800,992, all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

In the preferred embodiment, oligonucleotide probes are synthesized directly on the surface of the array using photolithography and combinatorial chemistry as disclosed in several patents previous incorporated by reference. In such embodiments, a single square-shaped feature on an array contains one type of probe. Probes are selected to be specific against desired target. Methods for selecting probe sequences are disclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number 3359; Ser. No. ______, filed Nov. 21, 2000, Attorney Docket Number 3367, filed Nov. 21, 2000, and Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number 3373, filed Nov. 21, 2000, all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

In a preferred embodiment, oligonucleotide probes in the high density array are selected to bind specifically to the nucleic acid target to which they are directed with minimal non-specific binding or cross-hybridization under the particular hybridization conditions utilized. Because the high density arrays of this invention can contain in excess of 1,000,000 different probes, it is possible to provide every probe of a characteristic length that binds to a particular nucleic acid sequence. Thus, for example, the high density array can contain every possible 20 mer sequence complementary to an IL-2 mRNA. There, however, may exist 20 mer subsequences that are not unique to the IL-2 mRNA. Probes directed to these subsequences are expected to cross hybridize with occurrences of their complementary sequence in other regions of the sample genome. Similarly, other probes simply may not hybridize effectively under the hybridization conditions (e.g., due to secondary structure, or interactions with the substrate or other probes). Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the probes that show such poor specificity or hybridization efficiency are identified and may not be included either in the high density array itself (e.g., during fabrication of the array) or in the post-hybridization data analysis.

Probes as short as 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides are sufficient to hybridize to a subsequence of a gene and that, for most genes, there is a set of probes that performs well across a wide range of target nucleic acid concentrations. In a preferred embodiment, it is desirable to choose a preferred or “optimum” subset of probes for each gene before synthesizing the high density array.

In some preferred embodiments, the expression of a particular transcript may be detected by a plurality of probes, typically, up to 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 probes. Each of the probes may target different sub-regions of the transcript. However, probes may overlap over targeted regions.

In some preferred embodiments, each target sub-region is detected using two probes: a perfect match (PM) probe that is designed to be completely complementary to a reference or target sequence. In some other embodiments, a PM probe may be substantially complementary to the reference sequence. A mismatch (MM) probe is a probe that is designed to be complementary to a reference sequence except for some mismatches that may significantly affect the hybridization between the probe and its target sequence. In preferred embodiments, MM probes are designed to be complementary to a reference sequence except for a homomeric base mismatch at the central (e.g., 13^th in a 25 base probe) position. Mismatch probes are normally used as controls for cross-hybridization. A probe pair is usually composed of a PM and its corresponding MM probe. The difference between PM and MM provides an intensity difference in a probe pair.

II. Data Analysis Systems

In one aspect of the invention, methods, computer software products and systems are provided for computational analysis of microarray intensity data for determining the presence or absence of genes in a given biological sample. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of data analysis systems, methods, analysis software, etc. Software written according to the present invention is to be stored in some form of computer readable medium, such as memory, or CD-ROM, or transmitted over a network, and executed by a processor. For a description of basic computer systems and computer networks, see, e.g., Introduction to Computing Systems: From Bits and Gates to C and Beyond by Yale N. Patt, Sanjay J. Patel, 1st edition (Jan. 15, 2000) McGraw Hill Text; ISBN: 0072376902; and Introduction to Client/Server Systems: A Practical Guide for Systems Professionals by Paul E. Renaud, 2nd edition (June 1996), John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471133337.

Computer software products may be written in any of various suitable programming languages, such as C, C++, C# (Microsoft®), Fortran, Perl, MatLab (MathWorks, www.mathworks.com), SAS, SPSS and Java. The computer software product may be an independent application with data input and data display modules. Alternatively, the computer software products may be classes that may be instantiated as distributed objects. The computer software products may also be component software such as Java Beans (Sun Microsystem), Enterprise Java Beans (EJB, Sun Microsystems), Microsoft® COM/DCOM (Microsoft®), etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a computer system that may be used to execute the software of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a computer system 1 that includes a display 3, screen 5, cabinet 7, keyboard 9, and mouse 11. Mouse 11 may have one or more buttons for interacting with a graphic user interface. Cabinet 7 houses a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive 13, system memory and a hard drive (see FIG. 2) which may be utilized to store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code that implements the invention, data for use with the invention and the like. Although a CD 15 is shown as an exemplary computer readable medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, flash memory, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. Additionally, a data signal embodied in a carrier wave (e.g., in a network including the Internet) may be the computer readable storage medium.

FIG. 2 shows a system block diagram of computer system 1 used to execute the software of an embodiment of the invention. As in FIG. 1, computer system 1 includes monitor 3, keyboard 9, and mouse 11. Computer system 1 further includes subsystems such as a central processor 51, system memory 53, fixed storage 55 (e.g., hard drive), removable storage 57 (e.g., CD-ROM), display adapter 59, sound card 61, speakers 63, and network interface 65. Other computer systems suitable for use with the invention may include additional or fewer subsystems. For example, another computer system may include more than one processor 51 or a cache memory. Computer systems suitable for use with the invention may also be embedded in a measurement instrument.

III. Gene Expression Calls Using Non-Parametric Statistics

Computational analysis of probe array intensity data for determining the presence or absence of expression of genes in a given biological sample is a crucial step in extraction of useful information from experimental data. There may be a large uncertainty associated with these calls (i.e., determination of the presence or absence of the expression of genes) because of many random effects such as inevitable variations in manufacturing and experimental conditions, and the complexity of cross hybridization.

It is therefore desirable for every call to provide a p-value, the probability value for a testing statistic be equal or further extreme to its observed value under the null hypothesis.

In one aspect of the invention, methods, computer software and systems are provided to determine (or call) the presence or absence of the expression of target genes using data from gene expression experiments that employ multiple probes against a single target. The methods include steps for computing p-values of such calls using non-parametric statistics.

Nonparametric statistical methods are powerful tools for computing exact p-values when the distribution of original data is unknown (e.g., Wilcoxon, F. Individual Comparisons by Ranking Methods, Biometrics, 1:80-83 (1945) Hogg R V, Tanis E A (1997) Probability and Statistical Inference (fifth edition), Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc Hollander M, Wolfe D A (1999) Nonparametric Statistical Methods (second edition), New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., all incorporated herein by reference for all purposes).

Many nonparametric methods use ranks or signs of data, and hence are insensitive to outliers. Their assumptions about the distributions of the original data are much weaker than those of parametric methods. Therefore, they can be applied to more general situations.

In some embodiments, Wilcoxon's signed rank test is used to analyze paired PM and MM probes. In a block of n probe pairs (also known as atoms, FIG. 3) for detecting a gene (typically 10, 15, or 20 probe pairs). Each probe pair typically consists of two cells, one has the sequence designed to be perfectly matching the target sequence and the other has the sequence designed to be mismatching the target sequence, preferably at only a single nucleotide location (usually at the center of the sequence segment).

Let the i-th perfectly matching cell intensity be PM_i and the i-th mismatching cell intensity be MM_i (i=1, . . . , n). All these data are positive numbers. As described above, in some embodiments, the hybridization of each probe may be reflected by several pixel intensities. In such embodiments, the cell intensity is derived from the pixel intensities. In preferred embodiments, around 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 percentile of of intensities of inner pixels in a cell is used to represent the cell intensity. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the 75 percentile of intensities of inner pixels in a cell is used to represent the cell intensity and is saved in a CEL file together with the number of pixels and the standard deviation of intensities at these pixels.

The traditional parametric approach to compare PM_i and MM_i is to test whether the mean of PM_i is equal to the mean of MM_i, or equivalently, whether the mean of differences D=PM_i−MM_i  (1) is zero. To calculate the p-value, normal distribution is assumed.

The nonparametric approach, by contrast, is to test whether the median of PM_i is the same as the median of MM_i, or equivalently, whether the median of differences D_i=PM_i−MM_i is zero. In practice, it is better to include a positive threshold τ, and to test whether the median of D_i is larger than τ.

In practice, when using differences D_i, we require D_i be larger than a certain threshold τ to make a detected call. Using a threshold τ can avoid a detected call if most PM_i's are only slightly larger than MM_i's, which is possible sometimes when the gene is really absent. In one embodiment, τ may be calculated as follows: $\begin{array}{cc}\tau =\frac{c}{2n}\sum _{j=1}^{2n}\frac{s_j}{\sqrt{n_j}},& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

Other statistics such as the discrimination score (also referred to as Ryder's discrimination score): $\begin{array}{cc}{R}_i=\frac{{\mathrm{PM}}_i-{\mathrm{MM}}_i}{{\mathrm{PM}}_i+{\mathrm{MM}}_i}& \left(3\right)\end{array}$ can also be used. In spite of these different flavors of implementation, the principles of computing p-values are the same. The methods of the invention involve the testing the null hypothesis

• H₀: median(D_i)=0 (the gene is not expressed) against the one-sided upper-tail alternative hypothesis
• H₁: median(D_i)>0. (the gene is expressed) Or more rigidly, assume D_i's (i=1, . . . , n) are from continuous populations, and are mutually independent. Moreover, the distribution functions F_i's of D_i's are symmetric about a common median θ, i.e., F_i(θ+χ)+F_i(θ−χ)=1,  (4) for all possible values of χ and i. The Wilcoxon's signed rank test can be used to test the null hypothesis
• H₀=0 against the one-sided upper-tail alternative hypothesis
• H₁: θ>0.

If all values if D_i's are zeros, then we accept the null hypothesis and let the p-value be 0.5 for the one-sided test. If there are some but not all values of D_i's are zeros, then we remove these zero values and adjust the block size n to be the number of nonzero D_i's that are used for computing p-values.

Where there are no zero values of D_i's, all |D_i|'s are sorted in the ascending order. If there are no ties among |D_i|'s, they can be ranked and assigned positive integers 1, 2, . . . , n. Then, the signs of the original data are given to the ranks.

If there are ties of |D_i|'s the average of the consecutive integer ranks are assigned to entries in a tied group. For example, consider six probe pairs with D₁=150.2, D₂=−300.1, D₃=1700.1, D₄=−150.2, D₅=−50.3, D₆=−50.3. There are two tied groups: |D₁|=|D₄| and |D₅|=|D₆|. The signed ranks are r₁=3.5, r₂=−5, r₃=6, r₄=3.5, r₅=−1.5, and r₆=−1.5.

Let signed rank of D_i be r_i. The sum of all positive signed ranks may be calculated as follows: $\begin{array}{cc}{W}_1+=\sum _{i=1}^n{c}_i{r}_i,& \left(5\right)\end{array}$ where the characteristic coefficient $\begin{array}{cc}{c}_i=\{\begin{array}{c}1,\mathrm{if}{r}_i>0,\\ 0,\mathrm{if}{r}_i<0.\end{array}& \left(6\right)\end{array}$

Under the null hypothesis, all 2ⁿ possible patterns of signed ranks are uniformly distributed. Using this fact, the exact p-value for an observed W₁⁺ statistic can be calculated.

The computation of exact p-value becomes expensive when n is large. For large samples, under the null hypothesis, normal approximation for W₁⁺ may be used, whose mean and variance are respectively $\begin{array}{cc}{\mu }_{W_1}+=\frac{n\left(n+1\right)}{4},& \left(7\right)\\ V_{w_1}^{+}=\frac{1}{24}\left[n\left(n+1\right)\left(2n+1\right)-\frac{1}{2}\sum _{k=1}^g{t}_k\left(t_k^2-1\right)\right],& \left(8\right)\end{array}$ where g is the number of tied groups, and t_k is the number of tied entries in tied group k. Then the statistic $\begin{array}{cc}{W}_1^{*}=\frac{W_1^{+}-{\mu }_{w_1}^{+}}{\sqrt{V_{W_1}^{+}}}& \left(9\right)\end{array}$ should approximately have the standard normal distribution N(0,1).

Statistics other than D_i=PM_i−MM_i can also be used for nonparametric methods. For example, Ryder's discrimination score $\begin{array}{cc}{R}_i=\frac{{\mathrm{PM}}_i-{\mathrm{MM}}_i}{{\mathrm{PM}}_i+{\mathrm{MM}}_i}=1-\frac{2}{\frac{{\mathrm{PM}}_i}{{\mathrm{MM}}_i}+1}.& \left(10\right)\end{array}$ is a monotonically increasing function of the ratio PM_i/MM_i. It changes the range (0,∞) of PM_i/MM_i to the range (−1,1) of R_i. In another embodiment, the following discrimination score may be used: $\begin{array}{cc}{L}_i=\frac{{\mathrm{PM}}_i-{\mathrm{MM}}_i}{\sqrt{{\mathrm{PM}}_i+{\mathrm{MM}}_i}}& \left(11\right)\end{array}$

To compare the results of two experiments on the same chip, it is important to determine a normalization factor. Let PM_i^(b) and MM_i^(b) be the intensity data of a baseline experiment, and PM_i^(e) and MM_i^(e) be the intensity data of the other experiment.

Wilcoxon's signed rank test can be applied to compare PM_i^(b) with N·PM_i^(e). R_i^(b) may also be directly compared with R_i^(e), Ryder's discrimination score of the baseline experiment with that of the other experiment.

Other nonparametric methods can also be used to analyze microarray intensity data. The CEL files give cell intensity which is the 75 percentile of pixel itensities in a cell. When we want to reduce the number of probe sets in a block, using the DAT file to take all pixel intensities into consideration may give more dependable analysis and more reasonable p-values.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the following three statistics of cell intensities can be used to make calls based on one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test. The null hypothesis is denoted H₀ and alternative hypothesis H₁.

• (1)
  • H₀: median (PM_i−MM_i)=τ₁;
  • H₁: median (PM_i−MM_i)>τ₁
• (2)
  • H₀: median (PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i+MM_i)=τ₂;
  • H₁: median (PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i−MM_i)>τ₂;
• (3)
  • H₀: median (PM_i−B_i)=τ₃;
  • H₁: median (PM_i−B_i)>τ₃;

Here, the threshold τ₁, τ₂, and τ₃ are non-negative, and B_i in the third method is a space dependent background. Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. Note that for the one-sided test, if null hypothesis is true, the most likely observed p value is 0.5, which is equivalent to 1 for the two-sided test. Let p be the p-value of one sided signed rank test. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls.

The threshold τ₁ may be set to be proportional to the square root of the sample median or mean of perfect match intensity, i.e., τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))}  (13)

The Ryde discrimination score in the second test is a relative measure of the difference between PM_i and MM_i. As discussed above, it is a monotonic function of ratio: r_i=PM_i/MM_i, of perfect match and mismatch intensities: R_i=(r_i−1)/(r_i+1)  (14) Using the Ryder statistic is particularly preferred if both perfect match and mismatch intensities are available. One benefit is that a constant τ₂ may be used to get good results. Another justification of using a positive τ₂ is that the median of R_i is a small positive number in several sets of Latin square experiments (Example 1, infra) with over 100 transcripts in each experiment with concentrations 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 pM. Table 1 lists the median, 25 percentile, 75 percentile, minimum and maximum of R_i in every concentration group. Table 2 is similar to Table 1, but with human genome complex background. Both data are on chips with lot number 9912072.

When median (R_i) is below 0.7, corresponding approximately to the concentration range below 30-60 pM or so, R_i increases when the concentration of the transcript increases. Beyond this range, R_i may decrease as transcript concentration increases, but remains higher than 0.7. Therefore, R_i is not always related to transcript concentration, especially when median (R_i) is above 0.7, but for the purpose of absolute calls, i.e., to detect the existence of a gene above a small concentration, e.g., 1 or 2 pM, R_i is a very good statistic to use.

τ₂ may be set according user preference. In preferred embodiment, τ₂ may be set at 0.005-0.05, preferably around 0.015, more preferably at 0.015. The third test, H₀: median (PM_i−B_i)=τ₃; H₁: median (PM_i−B_i)>τ₃;

If mismatch intensities are not available, B_i can be considered as a background, e.g., the average of the lowest 2 or the result of smoothing these averages. B_i so calculated is usually lower than the mismatch intensities, but this can be made up by adjusting τ₃. In some cases, τ₃ may be set to be proportional to the square root of the sample median or mean of perfect match intensity, i.e., τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))}  (15)

When a gene has splicing variants, a subset of atoms in a block can show significant positive differences D_i, but within the whole block the differences may not be so significantly different from 0. Nonparametric algorithms can detect this situation by calculating the relevant statistics for subsets of a block of atoms.

The nonparametric algorithms suggested here need sorting. The results of sorting subsets can be used for sorting the whole set with the merge sort algorithm. It can save the total computing time for the detection of splicing variants with nonparametric algorithms.

IV. Methods, Computer Software and Systems for Making Gene Expression Calls

In one aspect of the invention, computer implemented methods are provided for analyzing gene expression experiments. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary process of the methods of the invention. Intensity data (such as perfect match intensities (PM_i) and mismatch intensities (MM_i) from the CEL file) are obtained (41) from data file (such as the CEL file), directly from a measurement instrument (such as a scanner) or other data source. The intensity data are processed to calculate a p-value for the following hypotheses: H₀: θ=τ; H₁: θ>τ, where θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and the mismatch intensity values. The p-value is calculated using one-sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test.

In some embodiments (FIG. 5), the testing statistic is median(PM_i−MM_i) (53). The threshold value may be zero. In some preferred embodiments, the threshold value is calculated (52) using: τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} wherein said c₁ is a constant. Alternatively, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} wherein c₁ is a constant.

The presence, marginal present or absence (detected, marginally detected or undetected) of a transcript may be called based upon the p-value and significance levels (54-58). Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. Note that for the one-sided test, if null hypothesis is true, the most likely observed p-value is 0.5, which is equivalent to 1 for the two-sided test. Let p be the p-value of one sided signed rank test. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls. In some preferred embodiments, 0<α₁<α₂<0.06. In some particularly preferred embodiments, α₁ is around 0.04 and α_{2 is} around 0.06.

In some particularly preferred embodiments (FIG. 6), the testing statistic is median((PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i−MM_i)). In these embodiments, the threshold value is a constant. Typically, the threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05. Most preferably, the threshold value is around 0.015.

In another aspect of the invention, computer implemented methods are provided for analyzing gene expression experiments where a transcript is detected with multiple probes (FIG. 7). The method include steps of providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and background intensity values (B_i) for the transcript (71), where each of the PM_i is paired with its corresponding B_i; calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein the p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that the θ>the threshold value, where the θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p value. In preferred embodiments, the testing statistic is median(PM_i−B_i) (74).

The threshold value can be zero. However, in preferred embodiments, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} where the c₁ is a constant. Alternatively, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} where the c₃ is a constant.

The presence, marginal present or absence (detected, marginally detected or undetected) of a transcript may be called based upon the p-value and significance levels. Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. Note that for the one-sided test, if null hypothesis is true, the most likely observed p value is 0.5, which is equivalent to 1 for the two-sided test. Let p be the p-value of one sided signed rank test. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls. In some preferred embodiments, 0<α₁<α₂<0.06. In some particularly preferred embodiments, α₁ is around 0.04 and α₂ is around 0.06.

The methods of the invention are particularly suitable for analyzing a large number of transcripts, preferably more than 50, 100, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 10,000 or more. FIG. 8 shows a process for detecting the presence of a large number of transcripts. In this embodiment, a library file which can be used to identify the relationship between probe sets and transcripts is read (81). Each of the probe sets may be targeting one transcript. An intensity data file contains intensity for a large number of probe sets (82), such as the CEL file, is also read. The p-value for each transcript is calculated (83, 84). The p-value of each transcript is used to detect the presence or absence of the transcript.

In another aspect, computer software products are provided. The computer software products include computer program code for inputting a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and mismatch intensity values (MM_i) for a transcript, wherein each of the PM_i is paired with one of the MM_i; computer program code for calculating a p-value using one-sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein the p-value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that the θ>the threshold value, wherein the θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and mismatch intensity values; computer program code for indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p-value; and a computer readable media for storing the computer program codes. In some preferred embodiments of the computer software products, the testing statistic is median(PM_i−MM_i). The threshold value may be zero in some embodiments. In preferred embodiments, however, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} where the c₁ is a constant or using: τ₁=c₁{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} where the c₁ is a constant.

In some particularly preferred embodiments of the computer software products of the invention, the testing statistic is median((PM_i−MM_i)/(PM_i−MM_i)) and threshold value is a constant. The computer program product may contain code for accepting user's selection or input of the threshold value. A default value may be used as well. Typically, the threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the threshold value is around 0.015.

The presence, marginal present or absence (detected, marginally detected or undetected) of a transcript may be called based upon the p-value and significance levels. Significance levels, α₁ and α₂ may be set such that: 0<α₁<α₂<0.5. In preferred embodiments, if p<α₁, a “detected” call can be made (i.e., the expression of the target gene is detected in the sample). If α₁≦p<α₂, a marginally detected call may be made. If p≧α₂, “undetected call” may be made. The proper choice of significance levels and the thresholds can reduce false calls. In some preferred embodiments, 0<α₁<α₂<0.06. In some particularly preferred embodiments, α₁ is around 0.04 and α_{2 is} around 0.06.

The computer software product may include computer program code for indicating that the transcript is present, absent or marginally absent. The computer program code, when executed, may indicate the result by causing the display of the result on a display device such as a screen. Alternatively, the result may be outputted into a file. In addition, the result may be temporary stored in a computer memory device so that other computer program module may access this result. In some preferred embodiments, the computer software products may include code to accept user's selection of various significance levels.

In addition, computer software products for analyzing the presence of a transcript without using mismatch intensities. The computer software product includes computer program code for providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PM_i) and background intensity values (B_i) for a transcript, wherein each of the PM_i is paired with one of the B_i; computer program code for calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein said p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that the θ>the threshold value, where the θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between the perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and computer program code for indicating whether the transcript is present based upon the p value; and a computer readable media for storing the codes. The testing statistic may be median(PM_i−B_i). The threshold value can be zero.

In preferred embodiments, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (median(PM_i))} where the c₃ is a constant and alternatively, the threshold value is calculated using: τ₃=c₃{square root}{square root over (mean(PM_i))} where the c₃ is a constant.

The computer software product may include computer program code for indicating that the transcript is present, absent or marginally absent. The computer program code, when executed, may indicate the result by causing the display of the result on a display device such as a screen. Alternatively, the result may be outputted into a file. In addition, the result may be temporary stored in a computer memory device so that other computer program module may access this result. In some preferred embodiments, the computer software products may include code to accept user's selection of various significance levels.

Appropriate computer code, computer systems and products are adapted to carry out the present invention.

In addition, systems for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample are also provided. The systems include a processor; and a memory being coupled to the processor, the memory storing a plurality machine instructions that cause the processor to perform a plurality of logical steps when implemented by the processor; the logical steps include the method steps of the invention.

V. EXAMPLES

Example 1

Table 1 and 2 list Ryder discrimination score in several sets of Latin squre experiments with over 100 genes in each experiment with concentrations 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 pM.

TABLE 1
Statisticsof Ri by Concentration in pMol
For a Yeast Latin Square Data Set 9912072
			Minimum-maximum
Concentration	Median	Interquartile range	range
0	0.0029	[−0.0088, 0.0156]	[−0.0528, 0.3229]
0.25	0.0994	[0.0610, 0.1460]	[0.0195, 0.5016]
0.5	0.777	[0.1247, 0.2486]	[0.0468, 0.6398]
1	0.2595	[0.1789, 0.3474]	[0.0502, 0.6527]
2	0.3744	[0.3035, 0.4577]	[0.0892, 0.7533]
4	0.5037	[0.4125, 0.5717]	[0.396, 0.7086]
8	0.6138	[0.5061, 0.6749]	[0.2608, 0.7672]
16	0.6704	[0.6057, 0.7268]	[0.453, 0.8166]
32	0.7315	[0.6604, 0.7739]	[0.5358, 0.8418]
64	0.7475	[0.6717, 0.7952]	[0.4562, 0.8464]
128	0.7459	[0.6792, 0.8075]	[0.5772, 0.8611]
256	0.7630	[0.6831, 0.7941]	[0.4961, 0.8665]
512	0.7354	[0.6320, 0.7885]	[0.4446, 0.8666]
1024	0.7171	[0.6276, 0.7780]	[0.3611, 0.8518]

When Ryder's discrimination score median (R_i) is below 0.7, corresponding approximately to the concentration range below 16-64 pM or so, R_i increases when the concentration of the gene increases. Beyond this range, R_i may decrease as gene concentration increases, but remains higher than 0.7. Therefore, R_i is not always an increasing function of gene concentration, especially when median(R_i) is above 0.7, but for the purpose of absolute calls, i.e., to detect the existence of a gene above a small concentration, e.g., 1 or 2 pM, Ryder's discrimination score R_i is a very good statistic to use.

Saturation is the situation when the brightness of the pixels exceeds the brightness range of the scanner. When there is saturation PM_i and MM_i can be both large and close to each other, thus Ryder's discrimination score becomes small. To prevent this situation from interfering our analysis, a first check may be necessary to determine whether there are any saturated cells, and exclude them from further analysis. If all probe pairs are saturated, the gene may be indicated as detected, i.e., set the p-value to be 0.

TABLE 2
Statistics of Ri by Concentration in pMol
For a Yeast Latin Square Data Set 9912072
with Human Genome Background
			Minimum-maximum
Concentration	Median	Interquartile range	range
0	0.0065	[−0.0058, 0.0225]	[−0.046, 0.47]
0.25	0.0366	[0.094, 0.0604]	[−0.050, 0.2676]
0.5	0.0589	[0.0336, 0.073]	[−0.0082, 0.3235]
1	0.0970	[0.0698, 0.536]	[0.0032, 0.4557]
2	0.1704	[0.1159, 0.2465]	[0.0152, 0.5834]
4	0.2638	[0.1760, 0.3602]	[0.0275, 0.6784]
8	0.4112	[0.3420, 0.4947]	[0.0871, 0.6942]
16	0.5368	[0.3807, 0.5967]	[0.1048, 0.7424]
32	0.6228	[0.5469, 0.6849]	[0.37, 0.7752]
64	0.6971	[0.6524, 0.7537]	[0.2847, 0.8300]
128	0.7183	[0.6588, 0.7726]	[0.3311, 0.8615]
256	0.7324	[0.6313, 0.7762]	[0.4198, 0.8612]
512	0.7252	[0.6151, 0.7842]	[0.4038, 0.8505]
1024	0.7081	[0.6168, 0.7524]	[0.4048, 0.8317]

Example 2

In a semi-blind test, 11 yeast target genes were used in a hybridization solution and the yeast genome chip YG_S98 was used. The concentration of every yeast gene was 5 pM. This was a semi-blind because the algorithm developer only knew the number of target yeast genes, but neither their names nor the number and names of bacterial spiked genes. Table 3 lists the 25 sorted p-values of absolute calls for p<α₁=0.05 with one-sided signed rank test (1). The parameter τ₁ was obtained with Equation (3c) where c″₁=1.2. The first 23 units gave the correct answer of 13 units of 11 yeast genes (YAL038W, YDL235C, YEL003W, YEL018W, YEL024W, YER161C, YFL018C, & KL193C, YLR083C, YNL259C, YPR129W) and 9 units of four bacterial spiked genes (BioB, BioC, BioDn and CreX) with a false positive. The p-value, 0.001602, of the unit YEL003W_at with target in hybridization the solution has a relatively large difference with the p-value, 0.003906, of the 24^th unit NNL069W_i_at whose target is not in the hybridization solution. Therefore, if the significance level is chosen somewhere between these two numbers, a clear cutoff can be obtained.

TABLE 3
The smallest 25 p-values for Absolute Calls in a Test with 11 Yeast
Targets and 4 Bacterial Genes
			Unit		Probe
Index	p-value	τ1	No.	Unit Name	Pairs	P/A
1	0.000044	51.6	11	AFFX-BioB-M_at	20	P
2	0.000044	54.3	13	AFFX-BioC-5_at	20	P
3	0.000044	44.1	15	AFFX-BioC-3_at	20	P
4	0.000044	31.7	16	AFFX-BioDn-5_at	20	P
5	0.000044	91.3	18	AFFX-BioDn-3_at	20	P
6	0.000044	95.2	97	AFFX-YEL0 8w/_at	20	P
7	0.000052	40.3	10	AFFX-BioB-5_at	20	P
8	0.000052	70.8	12	AFFX-BioB-3_at	20	P
9	0.000052	58.8	21	AFFX-CreX-3_at	20	P
10	0.000070	46.6	19	AFFX-CreX-5_at	20	P
11	0.000219	173.3	6105	YFL0 8C_at	16	P
12	0.000219	96.5	5941	YER 161C_at	16	P
13	0.000219	123.5	721	YKL 193C_at	16	P
14	0.000219	191.9	131	YAL038W_at	16	P
15	0.000258	120.6	98	AFFX-	20	P
				YEL024w/RIP_at
16	0.000266	95.6	1243	YLR083C_at	16	P
17	0.000266	111.1	5750	YEL0 8W_at	16	P
18	0.000322	96.0	2371	YNL259C_at	16	P
19	0.000388	34.9	4773	YDL235C_at	16	P
20	0.000388	196.9	5744	YEL024W_at	16	P
21	0.000468	81.7	3873	YPR129W_at	16	P
22	0.001141	13.7	3874	YPR130C_at	16	A
23	0.001602	57.6	5766	YEL003W_at	16	P
24	0.003906	11.8	2722	NNL069W_i_at	9	A
25	0.028446	11.4	28	AFFX-BioDn-3_st	20	A

In Table 3, the column labeled Probe Pairs lists the number of probe pairs in the unit. The column labeled P/A denotes whether the corresponding target is present (P) or absent (A) in the hybridization solution.

With Ryder's discrimination score and τ2=0.02, sorting the p-values in the ascending order, similar results were obtained and shown in Table 4 and p-values 0.009985 for YEL003W_at in the hybridization solution and 0.023438 of gMR07_—3_at not in the hybridization solution have a big gap.

TABLE 4
The smallest 25 p-values for Absolute Calls inaTest with Yeast Targets
and 4 Bacterial Genes Using Ryder's Discrimination Score
				Probe
Index	p-value	Unit No	Unit Name	Pairs	P/A
1	0.000044	10	AFFX-BioB-5_at	20	P
2	0.000044	12	AFFX-BioB-3_at	20	P
3	0.000044	13	AFFX-BioC-5_at	20	P
4	0.000044	15	AFFX-BioC-3_at	20	P
5	0.000044	18	AFFX-BioDn-3_at	20	P
6	0.000044	19	AFFX-CreX-5_at	20	P
7	0.000052	11	AFFX-BioB-M_at	20	P
8	0.000052	21	AFFX-CreX-3_at	20	P
9	0.000052	97	AFFX-YEL0 8w/_at	20	P
10	0.000060	16	AFFX-BioDn-5_at	20	P
11	0.000219	1243	YLR083C_at	16	P
12	0.000219	5750	YEL0 8W_at	16	P
13	0.000219	5941	YER161C_at	16	P
14	0.000219	6105	YFL018C_at	16	P
15	0.000266	131	YAL038W_at	16	P
16	0.000390	98	AFFX-YEL024w/RIP\—	20	P
			at
17	0.000468	721	YKL193C_at	16	P
18	0.000673	3873	YPR129W_at	16	P
19	0.000805	5744	YEL024W_at	16	P
20	0.001892	4773	YDL235C_at	16	P
21	0.002617	3874	YPR130C_at	16	A
22	0.002930	2722	NNL069W_i_at	9	A
23	0.006532	2371	YNL259C_at	16	P
24	0.009985	5766	YEL003W_at	16	P
25	0.023438	8862	gMR07_3_at	8	A

Example 3

In a Latin square experiment design, 14 groups of yeast gene transcripts (8 genes per group) with different concentrations were used in 14 experiments (Table 5). In some of the data sets, human genome background was also added in the hybridization solution. These hybridization solutions were used on yeast genome chips yg_s95 and yeast test chips test_hyb.

TABLE 5
Concentrations in pMol of 14 Groups of Genes in 14 Experiments
Exp.	G1	G2	G3	G4	G5	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10	G11	G12	G13	G14
E1	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	16	32	64	128	256	521	1024
E2	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	16	32	64	28	256	512	1024	0
E3	0.5	1	2	4	8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25
E4	1	2	4	8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5
E5	2	4	8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1
E6	4	8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2
E7	8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4
E8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8
E10	64	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	16	32
E11	128	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	16	32	64
E12	256	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	6	32	64	128
E13	512	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	6	32	64	128	256
E14	1024	0	0.25	0.5	1	2	4	8	6	32	64	128	256	512

Eight genes were excluded from the analysis because of poor quality. The remaining genes were used for analysis. Yeast genes not in the Latin square were considered as with concentration 0. Tables 6 and 7 give the error rates by concentrations of our rank-based algorithm using Ryder's discrimination score with τ₂=0.012, α₁=0.04, and α₂=0.06 for two Latin square data sets, one without human genome background, and the other with human genome background. If lower false positive rate is wanted, one can lower τ₂, or raise α₁ and/or α₂

TABLE 6
Error Rates of Absolute Calls for Data Set 99802
	Marginal as	Marginal as
Concentration	undetected	detected	Type of error
0	0.0562	0.0798	false positive
0.25	0.0991	0.0811	false negative
0.5	0.0270	0.0180	false negative
1	0.0270	0.0090	false negative
2	0	0	false negative
4	0	0	false negative
8	0	0	false negative
16	0	0	false negative
32	0	0	false negative
64	0	0	false negative
128	0	0	false negative
256	0	0	false negative
512	0	0	false negative
1024	0	0	false negative

The column labeled by “Marginal as undetected” shows the error rates when the marginal calls are counted as undetected calls, i.e., α₁ is used as the cutoff. The column labeled by “Marginal as detected” shows the error rates when the marginal calls are counted as detected calls, i.e., α₂ is used as the cutoff.

TABLE 7
Error Rates of Absolute Calls for Data Set 99802BG
	Marginal as	Marginal as
Concentration	undetected	detected	Type of error
0	0.0388	0.0524	false positive
0.25	0.7027	0.6937	false negative
0.5	0.5586	0.5135	false negative
1	0.3063	0.2883	false negative
2	0.0991	0.0811	false negative
4	0.0360	0.0180	false negative
8	0	0	false negative
16	0	0	false negative
32	0	0	false negative
64	0	0	false negative
128	0	0	false negative
256	0	0	false negative
512	0	0	false negative
1024	0	0	false negative

CONCLUSION

The present inventions provide methods and computer software products for analyzing gene expression profiles. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. By way of example, the invention has been described primarily with reference to the use of a high density oligonucleotide array, but it will be readily recognized by those of skill in the art that other nucleic acid arrays, other methods of measuring transcript levels and gene expression monitoring at the protein level could be used. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

All cited references, including patent and non-patent literature, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

Claims

1. A method for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample comprising: providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PMi) and mismatch intensity values (MMi) for the transcript, wherein each of the PMi is paired with one of the MMi; calculating a p-value using one-sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein the p-value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>said threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between said perfect match intensity values and mismatch intensity values; and indicating whether said transcript is present based upon said p-value.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said testing statistic is median(PMi−MMi).

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said threshold value is zero.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein said threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over (median(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over (mean(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of indicating comprises indicating said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is absent if said p is greater than or equal to a second significance level (α2).

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

13. The method of claim 12 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said testing statistic is median((PMi−MMi)/(PM+MMi)).

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said threshold value is a constant.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said threshold value is around 0.015.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said step of indicating comprises indicating said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is absent if said p is greater than a second significance level (α2).

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

25. The method of claim 24 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

26. A method for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample comprising: providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PMi) and background intensity values (Bi) for said transcript, wherein each of said PMi is paired with one of said Bi; calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein said p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>said threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between said perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and indicating whether said transcript is present based upon said p value.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein said testing statistic is median(PMi−Bi).

28. The method of claim 27 wherein said threshold value is zero.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein said threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over ((median(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

30. The method of claim 27 wherein threshold value is calculated using: τ3=c3{square root}{square root over (mean(PMi))} wherein said c3 is a constant.

31. The method of claim 27 wherein said step of indicating comprises indicating said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

34. The method of claim 31 wherein said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is absent if said p is greater than a second significance level (α2).

35. The method of claim 34 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

37. The method of claim 35 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

38. The method of claim 37 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

39. A computer software product comprising: computer program code for inputting a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PMi) and mismatch intensity values (MMi) for a transcript, wherein each of said PMi is paired with one of said MMi; computer program code for calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein said p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>said threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between said perfect match intensity values and mismatch intensity values; computer program code for indicating whether said transcript is present based upon said p value; and a computer readable media for storing said computer program codes.

40. The computer software product of claim 39 wherein said testing statistic is median(PMi−MMi).

41. The computer software product of claim 40 wherein said threshold value is zero.

42. The computer software product of claim 40 wherein said threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over (median(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

43. The computer software product of claim 42 wherein threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c, 1{square root}{square root over (mean(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

44. The computer software product of claim 40 wherein said computer program code of indicating comprises computer program code for indicating that said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

45. The computer software product of claim 44 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

46. The computer software product of claim 45 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

47. The computer software product of claim 46 wherein said computer code for indicating further comprises computer program code for indicating that said transcript is absent if said p is greater than or equal to a second significance level (α2).

48. The computer software product of claim 47 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

49. The computer software product of claim 48 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

50. The computer software product of claim 49 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said computer program code of indicating further comprises computer program code for indicating that said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

51. The computer software product of claim 50 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

52. The computer software product of claim 40 wherein said testing statistic is median((PMi−MMi)/(PMi−MMi)).

53. The computer software product of claim 52 wherein said threshold value is a constant.

54. The computer software product of claim 53 wherein said threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05.

55. The computer software product of claim 54 wherein said threshold value is around 0.015.

56. The computer software product of claim 53 wherein said computer program code for indicating comprises computer program code for indicating that said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

57. The computer software product of claim 56 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

58. The computer software product of claim 57 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

59. The computer software product of claim 57 wherein said computer program code for indicating further comprises computer program code for indicating said transcript is absent if said p is greater than or equal to a second significance level (α2).

60. The computer software product of claim 59 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

61. The computer software product of claim 60 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

62. The computer software product of claim 60 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said computer program code for indicating further comprises computer code for indicating that said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

63. The computer software product of claim 62 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

64. A computer software product comprising: computer program code for providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PMi) and background intensity values (Bi) for a transcript, wherein each of said PMi is paired with one of said Bi; computer program code for calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein said p-value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>said threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between said perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and computer program code for indicating whether said transcript is present based upon said p-value; and a computer readable media for storing said codes.

65. The computer software product of claim 64 wherein said testing statistic is median(PMi−Bi).

66. The computer software product of claim 65 wherein said threshold value is zero.

67. The computer software product of claim 66 wherein said threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over (median(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

68. The computer software product of claim 66 wherein threshold value is calculated using: τ3=c3{square root}{square root over (mean(PMi))} wherein said c3 is a constant.

69. The computer software product of claim 66 wherein said step of indicating comprises indicating said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

70. The computer software product of claim 69 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

71. The computer software product of claim 70 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

72. The computer software product of claim 71 wherein said computer software code of indicating further comprises computer software code for indicating that said transcript is absent if said p is greater than or equal to a second significance level (α2).

73. The computer software product of claim 72 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

74. The computer software product of claim 73 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

75. The computer software product of claim 73 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said code for indicating further comprises code for indicating that said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

76. The computer software product of claim 75 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

77. A system for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample comprising: a processor; and a memory being coupled to the processor, the memory storing a plurality of machine instructions that cause the processor to perform a plurality of logical steps when implemented by the processor, said logical step comprising: providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PMi) and mismatch intensity values (MMi) for the transcript, wherein each of the PMi is paired with one of the MMi; calculating a p-value using one-sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein the p-value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>said threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between said perfect match intensity values and mismatch intensity values; and indicating whether said transcript is present based upon said p-value.

78. The system of claim 77 wherein said testing statistic is median(PMi−MMi)

79. The system of claim 78 wherein said threshold value is zero.

80. The system of claim 78 wherein said threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over (median(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

81. The system of claim 78 wherein threshold value is calculated using: τ1=c1{square root}{square root over (mean(PMi))} wherein said c1 is a constant.

82. The system of claim 78 wherein said step of indicating comprises indicating said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

83. The system of claim 82 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

84. The system of claim 83 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

85. The system of claim 83 wherein said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is absent if said p is greater than or equal to a second significance level (α2).

86. The system of claim 85 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

87. The system of claim 86 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

88. The system of claim 87 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

89. The system of claim 88 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

90. The system of claim 76 wherein said testing statistic is median((PMi−MMi)/(PM+MMi)).

91. The system of claim 77 wherein said threshold value is a constant.

92. The system of claim 91 wherein said threshold value is around 0.001 to 0.05.

93. The system of claim 92 wherein said threshold value is around 0.015.

94. The system of claim 91 wherein said step of indicating comprises indicating said transcript is present if said p is smaller than a first significance level (α1).

95. The system of claim 94 wherein said significance level is 0.01-0.08.

96. The system of claim 95 wherein said first significance level is 0.04.

97. The system of claim 96 wherein said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is absent if said p is greater than a second significance level (α2).

98. The system of claim 97 wherein said second significance level is 0.04-0.08.

99. The system of claim 98 wherein said second significance level is 0.06.

100. The system of claim 98 wherein said first significance level (α1) is smaller than said (α2) and said step of indicating further comprises indicating said transcript is marginally detected if α1≦p<α2.

101. The system of claim 100 where first significance level is 0.04 and second significance level is 0.06.

102. A system for determining whether a transcript is present in a biological sample comprising: A processor; and A memory being coupled to the processor, the memory storing a plurality machine instructions that cause the processor to perform a plurality of logical steps when implemented by the processor; said logical step comprising: providing a plurality of perfect match intensity values (PMi) and background intensity values (Bi) for said transcript, wherein each of said PMi is paired with one of said Bi; calculating a p value using one sided Wilcoxon's signed rank test, wherein said p value is for a null hypothesis that θ=a threshold value and an alternative hypothesis that said θ>said threshold value, wherein said θ is a test statistic for intensity difference between said perfect match intensity values and background intensity values; and indicating whether said transcript is present based upon said p value.