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"Bias" in NGS sequencing processing

Hi, I'm now considering a confusing question for next-generation sequencing. Suppose I have a cell with 4 genes, and with a consistent expression quantity of 1:1:1:1. In wild type, their expressions are 50:50:50:50 and in mutant are 500:500:500:500. But because of the sequencing method, samples need to be extracted and PCR, then select some for sequencing mechine. And finally I get some DNA to sequence. Here comes a question, if I get 1G data from wild and mutant sample, but they may show the sample expression quantity of 5:5:5:5. How can I cope with the problem like this or in the realitistic data? Thank you!

rna-seq dna-seq seq

2 answers

With NGS, you probably would not be measuring only 4 genes. It's not very common, but it's possible to perform targeted RNA-seq for specific genes of interest. In that case, you would also have housekeeping genes to use as controls. That would be analogous to more traditional methods like qPCR.

Well, yes...

Crappy experimental design -> meaningless data -> bad conclusions.

So, don't have crappy experimental design. If you really only care about 4 genes, do qPCR with a control gene. Or, if you want a targeted panel, make sure it is big and diverse so you have some kind of background you can compare to.

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