Combining multi-species genomic data for microRNA identification using a Naive Bayes classifier.
BACKGROUND
Most computational methodologies for microRNA gene prediction utilize techniques based on sequence conservation and/or structural similarity. In this study we describe a new technique, which is applicable across several species, for predicting miRNA genes. This technique is based on machine learning, using the Naive Bayes classifier. It automatically generates a model from the training data, which consists of sequence and structure information of known miRNAs from a variety of species.


RESULTS
Our study shows that the application of machine learning techniques, along with the integration of data from multiple species is a useful and general approach for miRNA gene prediction. Based on our experiments, we believe that this new technique is applicable to an extensive range of eukaryotes' genomes. Specific structure and sequence features are first used to identify miRNAs followed by a comparative analysis to decrease the number of false positives (FPs). The resulting algorithm exhibits higher specificity and similar sensitivity compared to currently used algorithms that rely on conserved genomic regions to decrease the rate of FPs.
Yousef
Malik
M
The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Nebozhyn
Michael
M
Shatkay
Hagit
H
Kanterakis
Stathis
S
Showe
Louise C
LC
Showe
Michael K
MK
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D001483:Base Sequence; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000379:methods*; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D013045:Species Specificity
D035683:MicroRNAs