Correlation analysis of two-dimensional gel electrophoretic protein patterns and biological variables

Background: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) is a powerful technique to examine post-translational modifications of complexly modulated proteins. Currently, spot detection is a necessary step to assess relations between spots and biological variables. This often proves time consuming and difficult when working with non-perfect gels. We developed an analysis technique to measure correlation between 2DE images and biological variables on a pixel by pixel basis. After image alignment and normalization, the biological parameters and pixel values are replaced by their specific rank. These rank adjusted images and parameters are then put into a standard linear Pearson correlation and further tested for significance and variance. Results: We validated this technique on a set of simulated 2DE images, which revealed also correct working under the presence of normalization factors. This was followed by an analysis of p53 2DE immunoblots from cancer cells, known to have unique signaling...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2006
• Where: BMCBI
• Authors: Werner W. V. B. Van Belle, Nina N. A. Anensen, Ingvild I. H. Haaland, Oystein O. B. Bruserud, Kjell-Arild K. A. H. Hogda, Bjorn B. T. G. Tore Gjertsen
• Keywords: Biological Variables, BMCBI 2006, Images, Two-dimensional Gel