title: High-throughput screening by RNA interference: control of two distinct types of variance.
abstract: The availability of genome-wide RNAi libraries has enabled researchers to rapidly assess the functions of thousands of genes; however the fact that these screens are run in living biological systems add complications above and beyond that normally seen in high-throughput screening (HTS). Specifically, error due to variance in both measurement and biology are large in such screens, leading to the conclusion that the majority of "hits" are expected to be false positives. Here, we outline basic guidelines for screen development that will help the researcher to control these forms of variance. By running a large number of positive and negative control genes, error of measurement can be accurately estimated and false negatives reduced. Likewise, by using a complex readout for the screen, which is not easily mimicked by other biological pathways and phenomena, false positives, can be minimized. By controlling variance in these ways, the researcher can maximize the utility of genome-wide RNAi screening.
authors: Departments of Molecular Profiling, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, USA. david_stone4@merck.com
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: Stone
authors: Shane
authors: S
authors: Marine
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Majercak
authors: William J
authors: WJ
authors: Ray
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Espeseth
authors: Adam
authors: A
authors: Simon
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Ferrer
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000032:analysis; D012107:Research Design
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering