Spreadsheet‐based Microarray Data Platform

Microarray analyses generate large data sets, and many of these microarray data sets are available from public databases including the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). However, only a limited amount of the data is utilized mainly due to the difficulties in organizing the data. For the purpose of maximizing DNA microarray data utilization, we developed a user‐friendly spreadsheet‐based Microarray Data Platform. The program instantly displays expression profiles of the genes of interest as tables and graphs. The program allows users to find genes containing a key word in the gene description. The “results” box shows all genes found according to the search algorithm. Advanced filter options enable filtering by gene expression ratio and/or by absolute expression value. Genes listed in the “results” box may then be sorted by a user defined expression ratio or expression value. The expression profile table displays expression mean, standard error, expression ratio, and t‐test p‐value. An exporting chart function saves the chart in a user‐defined folder. Users may change the display format of the table and the chart. Information generated from this program will allow users to identify potentially important genes. The program is also useful for presentation and tutorial purposes. Supported by the Pilot Project of the University of Kentucky DNA Microarray Facility.