5 RNA-Sequencing: Methods & Technique

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of the MMP search process in RNA-seq data alignment?

  • It requires prior knowledge of splice junction locations.
  • It identifies splice junctions in a single alignment without preliminary alignment. (correct)
  • It is conducted only in the forward direction of the read sequence.
  • It uses a preliminary alignment pass for accuracy.

What is the role of 'anchor' seeds in the clustering phase of STAR algorithm?

  • To determine the total number of gaps allowed in alignment.
  • To ensure all mismatches are minimized.
  • To group seeds based on their proximity to receive alignments. (correct)
  • To connect seeds to create multiple separate alignments.

Why does the STAR algorithm allow only one insertion or deletion in spliced alignments?

  • To enhance the accuracy of splice junction identification. (correct)
  • To simplify the computational complexity of alignments.
  • To accommodate multiple mismatches effectively.
  • To comply with genomic window size limitations.

How does treating paired-end reads as a single sequence benefit RNA-seq data alignment?

<p>It enhances algorithm sensitivity by leveraging accurate anchors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the upper limit for the intron size in STAR's spliced alignments?

<p>The size of the genomic windows used for alignment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does FastQC serve in RNA-Seq data processing?

<p>Illustrates the results using graphs and summary tables. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes FastQC from other RNA-Seq analysis tools?

<p>It is implemented in Java, allowing compatibility across platforms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It is a complete sequence of human genes for aligning reads. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge faced when aligning short RNA-Seq reads to a reference genome?

<p>Potential mismatches, insertions, and deletions can complicate alignment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using STAR in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It excels in aligning non-contiguous sequences and offers superior mapping speed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does the size of sequenced reads (150 base pairs) pose compared to the typical size of human genes?

<p>It leads to alignment errors with longer genomic regions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding FastQC reports?

<p>Reports provide a detailed analysis of data quality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the FastQC tool?

<p>Performing sequence alignment to a reference genome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the FASTQ file format in sequencing data?

<p>To encode the quality scores of nucleotide sequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the bcl2fastq software?

<p>To convert BCL files to FASTQ format. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is specifically utilized for quality control of high throughput sequencing data?

<p>FastQC (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using the STAR aligner for RNA-Seq data?

<p>It offers ultrafast performance and supports spliced alignment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of RNA sequencing, what is the significance of the reference genome HG38?

<p>It is a specific version of the human genome assembly used for alignment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of analysis does DESeq2 primarily perform on RNA-Seq data?

<p>Count-based differential expression analysis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features distinguishes the FastQC tool?

<p>It provides a graphical representation of sequencing quality metrics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a characteristic of the BCL file format?

<p>It stores raw intensity data from sequencer imaging. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Count-based differential expression analysis' in the context of RNA-Seq entail?

<p>Comparing read counts across different samples to find gene expression differences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of GSEA in genomics?

<p>To interpret genome-wide expression profiles through gene set enrichment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of paired-end sequencing over single-read sequencing?

<p>It results in a greater quantity of SNV calls after read-pair alignment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the STAR method, what is the purpose of the seed search phase?

<p>To systematically search for the Maximal Mappable Prefix (MMP). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of single-read sequencing?

<p>It permits sequencing of DNA from just one end of each fragment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using alignment algorithms in paired-end sequencing?

<p>They improve read mapping across repeated DNA sequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Maximal Mappable Prefix (MMP) important in the sequencing process?

<p>It defines the longest sequence that can match with the reference genome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a splice junction is present in a read, what is the initial mapping consequence in the STAR method?

<p>The first seed is mapped to a donor splice site. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical application of short RNA sequencing in relation to sequencing methods?

<p>It is generally better suited for single-read sequencing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of genome alignment, what is one significant challenge that single-read methods face?

<p>Reduced accuracy in repetitive regions of the genome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the reference genome HG38 relevant in RNA-Seq data analysis?

<p>It provides a standard template for alignment and variant calling. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of Bcl2fastq software in sequencing analysis?

<p>To convert base call files into FASTQ format. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the STAR command in RNA-Seq data processing?

<p>To align sequencing reads to a reference genome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter in the STAR command specifies the indexed reference genome directory?

<p>--genomeDir (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of STAR, what type of files are produced that contain aligned read sequences?

<p>Aligned.out.sam (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the --quantMod GeneCounts option in the STAR program?

<p>To yield gene-level expression quantification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the STAR command enhance the alignment process in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>By utilizing parallel computing through the runThreadN parameter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes multi-mapping readings in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>Reads that map to multiple locations with the same highest score (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a common output file format generated from a STAR alignment run?

<p>Aligned.out.bam (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the input for the STAR command?

<p>Paths to the reference genome must be specified in absolute terms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of adjustments can be made to the scoring metrics in the alignment process using STAR?

<p>Users can define scores for matches and mismatches as well (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the FASTQ file format from other sequencing file formats?

<p>It contains both sequence and quality scores for each nucleotide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bcl2fastq software in the sequencing process?

<p>To convert BCL files into FASTQ files for downstream analysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the capabilities of FastQC?

<p>It provides a concise overview of sequencing data quality through graphs and tables. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for using the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>HG38 was compiled as a representative human gene model and allows for improved alignment accuracy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges is commonly faced when aligning RNA-Seq data to a reference genome?

<p>The potential for sequencing errors leading to misleading alignments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does FastQC enhance the quality control process in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>By providing a visual assessment tool that highlights quality issues in the data. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the STAR aligner play in RNA-Seq data processing?

<p>It aligns paired-end reads directly to the reference genome with high accuracy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the existence of insertions and deletions significant during the alignment of RNA-Seq data?

<p>These variations can complicate accurate mapping of short RNA fragments to the reference genome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the FASTQ file format serve in RNA sequencing data?

<p>It combines sequence data with quality scores for each base. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary function of the bcl2fastq software in sequencing analysis?

<p>To convert BCL files to FASTQ format for downstream analysis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the FastQC tool in assessing RNA-Seq data quality?

<p>It evaluates the quality scores of bases in sequencing reads. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the reference genome HG38 significant in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It is the standard reference for all short-read alignments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of RNA-Seq data alignment using DESeq2?

<p>It models read counts using a negative binomial distribution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of the FASTQ file format used in RNA-Seq data?

<p>It combines sequence data and quality scores in a single file. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bcl2fastq software in sequencing analysis?

<p>To convert BCL files into FASTQ files. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically assessed by FastQC in RNA-Seq quality control?

<p>The alignment of reads to a reference genome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the reference genome HG38 particularly relevant in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It is the latest version of the human genome reference. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When performing RNA-Seq data alignment, what is a possible disadvantage of using a multi-mapping approach?

<p>It complicates the interpretation of gene expression levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What main information does the STAR command provide regarding RNA-Seq reads during alignment?

<p>Gene-level expression quantification. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage is commonly associated with using the STAR alignment software for RNA-Seq data?

<p>Its high-speed alignment may sacrifice accuracy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During RNA-Seq data processing, which file format is typically generated to include the aligned sequence reads?

<p>.sam (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of RNA-Seq data alignment does the scoring system in STAR specifically evaluate?

<p>Matches, mismatches, insertions, and deletions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the FASTQ file format?

<p>It contains both quality scores and nucleotide sequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task is primarily performed by the Bcl2fastq software?

<p>Converting BCL files into FASTQ files. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of FastQC in RNA-Seq data processing?

<p>To assess the quality of sequencing reads. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the reference genome HG38 significant in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>It is the latest version of the human genomic assembly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the procedure for RNA-Seq data alignment in the STAR algorithm?

<p>Alignments occur directly without prior knowledge of splice junction locations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation is present in STAR's spliced alignments regarding insertions and deletions?

<p>It permits unlimited mismatches but only one gap. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes common output files generated from a STAR alignment run?

<p>They contain aligned read sequences along with quality metrics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of RNA-Seq data alignment with respect to paired-end reads?

<p>Information from both mates allows for more accurate alignment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is quality control of RNA-Seq data typically performed?

<p>Using tools like FastQC that provide automated checks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does clustering play in the STAR algorithm for RNA-Seq alignment?

<p>It connects all seeds to form complete alignments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of the FASTQ file format that differentiates it from other sequence formats?

<p>It combines both sequence and quality score information in a single file. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which function does the bcl2fastq software primarily serve in the process of sequencing data?

<p>It converts BCL files from sequencer runs to FASTQ files. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In FastQC reports, which aspect is NOT typically assessed?

<p>RNA secondary structure predictions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It acts as a template for mapping and aligning RNA-Seq reads. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes an advantage of using paired-end sequencing over single-read sequencing?

<p>It improves accuracy in mapping reads across repetitive genomic regions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of quality control metrics does FastQC primarily analyze?

<p>General metrics including sequence quality scores and contamination levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When aligning RNA-Seq data, why is the reference genome HG38 typically favored?

<p>It contains the most recent assembly of human chromosomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the primary output of RNA-Seq data alignment generally consist of?

<p>Aligned reads in a standardized data format like SAM or BAM. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes the STAR alignment method in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>It utilizes a two-phase method for enhanced alignment accuracy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common challenge arises when aligning short RNA-Seq reads to a reference genome?

<p>Limited contextual information for accurate mapping in repetitive regions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the FASTQ file format in RNA sequencing?

<p>It includes both sequence and quality scores in a single file. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bcl2fastq software in sequencing analysis?

<p>To convert raw sequencing data into the FASTQ format. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does FastQC contribute to quality control in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>By generating HTML reports that summarize data quality metrics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the role of the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It serves as a baseline for mapping sequencing reads to represent genetic variations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of RNA-Seq data alignment, which of the following factors complicates accurate read alignment?

<p>Variability in sequencing quality due to errors and genetic variations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant advantage does FastQC provide over other quality control tools?

<p>It provides comprehensive visualizations and an interactive interface. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge arises from the small size of sequenced reads (150 base pairs) compared to human genes during RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>Greater difficulty in aligning reads with extensive introns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What property distinguishes STAR aligner in the context of RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It is specifically designed to efficiently align non-contiguous RNA sequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the FASTQ file format from other sequencing file formats?

<p>It has a unique structure of four lines per sequence entry. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bcl2fastq software in the sequencing process?

<p>To convert BCL files into FASTQ format. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does FastQC enhance the quality control process in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>By providing visual representations of sequencing metrics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the reference genome HG38 relevant in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It provides a standard mapping framework for human genes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial when aligning RNA-Seq data to a reference genome?

<p>The scoring metrics for alignments must be properly defined. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of STAR, what type of files are produced that contain aligned read sequences?

<p>Alignment files, such as Aligned.out.sam, Aligned.out.bam, or Aligned.out.tab. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data analysis?

<p>It is essential for the standardization of RNA-Seq methodologies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common output format generated from a STAR alignment run?

<p>Output files in .bam or .sam format for aligned reads. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the --quantMod GeneCounts option in the STAR program serve?

<p>It quantifies the expression levels at the gene level. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adjustments can be made to the scoring metrics in the alignment process using STAR?

<p>User-defined scores for insertions, deletions, and matches can be defined. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the FASTQ file format in the context of sequencing data?

<p>It contains both sequence information and quality scores. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the bcl2fastq software serve in sequencing analysis?

<p>It converts raw BCL data to FASTQ format. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of FastQC contributes significantly to the quality control of sequencing data?

<p>It assesses the quality scores of the sequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the reference genome HG38 particularly relevant in the context of RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It represents a high-quality assembly suitable for mapping genomic regions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of using paired-end sequencing over single-read sequencing in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It provides improved alignment accuracy in repetitive regions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the reference genome is essential for effective RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It should be well-annotated to identify genes and their features. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a function performed by FastQC?

<p>It assesses the presence of overrepresented sequences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges is often experienced when aligning RNA-Seq data to a reference genome?

<p>Inconsistent coverage across all genomic regions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sequencing quality control tools like FastQC in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>To evaluate input quality before alignment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In RNA-Seq data processing, how does the bcl2fastq software improve data usability?

<p>By converting light intensity signals into nucleotide sequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the FASTQ file format in sequencing data?

<p>It includes the sequence, quality scores, and additional metadata. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the bcl2fastq software in sequencing analysis?

<p>It converts binary base call (BCL) files into FASTQ format. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of FastQC significantly enhances the quality control process for RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>It visualizes sequence quality scores and detects biases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the significance of the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It is the most current human genome assembly providing comprehensive annotations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In RNA-Seq data alignment, which challenge commonly arises when using single-read methods?

<p>The alignment of spliced reads due to lack of context. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the FASTQ file format is accurate?

<p>It includes sequence identifiers that are unique to each read. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential outcome of using FastQC in RNA-Seq data processing?

<p>It enables the identification of low-quality reads and potential biases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In RNA-Seq data alignment, what is one of the advantages of using the reference genome HG38?

<p>It provides accurate and up-to-date annotations for the assembly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial limitation faced when aligning RNA-Seq data to a reference genome?

<p>The reference genome differs significantly from the sequenced samples. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does Bcl2fastq software provide in the sequence data processing workflow?

<p>It generates FASTQ files while preserving sequencing quality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best characterizes the FASTQ file format in the context of sequencing data?

<p>It combines raw sequence data with quality scores and metadata. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the bcl2fastq software perform within the RNA-Seq data processing pipeline?

<p>It converts BCL files to FASTQ format for further analysis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does FastQC contribute to the quality control in RNA-Seq analysis?

<p>It generates summary reports on sequence quality and formatting. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the reference genome HG38 in RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>It serves as a standard reference for mapping human RNA sequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge encountered during RNA-Seq data alignment?

<p>Need for adjustments related to library size variations across samples. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

FastQC Overview

  • FastQC provides graphical visualizations and summary tables for data quality assessment.
  • Reports are generated in HTML format, making results accessible and easy to interpret.
  • Allows for interactive or offline quality analyses, offering flexibility in usage.
  • Supports automation of processing procedures and is compatible across various operating systems due to its Java implementation.

RNA-Seq Data Alignment

  • The alignment process involves matching paired-end reads from RNA-Seq experiments to the reference genome.
  • Reference genome HG38 (GRCh38.p12) serves as a model for the human genome, accessible via UCSC Genome Browser and Ensembl.
  • High-throughput sequencing datasets are fragmented into 150 base pairs, much smaller than the average human gene size (24 kilobase pairs).
  • Misalignment can occur due to deletions, insertions, mismatches, and sequencing errors.

STAR Alignment Method

  • STAR (Spliced Transcript Alignment to a Reference) is used for RNA-Seq data alignment, known for mapping speed and alignment accuracy.
  • It consists of two phases: Seed Search and Clustering/Stitching/Scoring.

Seed Search Phase

  • Identifies the Maximal Mappable Prefix (MMP) for read sequences against the reference genome.
  • Initial mapping begins at the first base of the read; splice junctions may interrupt continuous mapping.
  • Employs user-defined scores for matches, mismatches, insertions, deletions, and splice junctions, allowing quality evaluation of alignments.
  • Retains alignments with scores that fall within a specified range relative to the highest score during multi-mapping.

Clustering, Stitching, and Scoring Phase

  • Constructs alignments by connecting previously identified seeds during the initial phase.
  • Groups seeds based on proximity to defined "anchor" seeds within genomic windows, allowing for a flexible number of mismatches and limited gaps.
  • Paired-end read information is utilized for improved alignment accuracy; coordinates of the read mates are processed simultaneously.
  • A local alignment scoring method is employed to guide stitching, enhancing overall sensitivity and accuracy of alignments.

Output and Applications

  • STAR produces several output files, including Aligned.out.sam, Aligned.out.bam, or Aligned.out.tab for further gene expression analysis.
  • Gene-level expression quantification is performed using the --quantMod GeneCounts option during the alignment process.

Sequencing Modes in Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing

  • Single-Read Sequencing: Sequences DNA from one end of each fragment.
  • Paired-End Sequencing (PE): Sequences both ends of DNA fragments, yielding more comprehensive SNV (Single Nucleotide Variant) calls after alignment.

Importance of Alignment Algorithms

  • Alignment algorithms leverage known distances between paired reads to efficiently map across repetitive regions, facilitating better genome alignment.
  • STAR's unique phases allow for thorough and accurate splice junction identification without the need for prior knowledge, streamlining RNA-Seq data processing.

FastQC Overview

  • FastQC provides graphical and tabular summaries for data quality, enabling easy identification of poor-quality files.
  • Reports are generated in HTML format, allowing for straightforward access and review.
  • Offers flexibility by supporting interactive or offline quality analyses.
  • Automation of processing procedures is a key feature.
  • Implemented in Java, ensuring compatibility across various operating systems.

RNA-Seq Data Alignment

  • Paired-end reads from RNA-Seq experiments are matched with a reference genome (HG38, GRCh38.p12).
  • HG38 serves as a comprehensive genetic model for Homo sapiens, accessible via UCSC Genome Browser and Ensembl.
  • Alignment of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) reads to the reference genome is crucial for RNA-Seq data processing.
  • Sequenced reads are typically 150 base pairs, much shorter than the average human gene (24 kilobase pairs).
  • Factors including deletions, insertions, mismatches, and sequencing errors can complicate read alignment.

Use of STAR for Alignment

  • STAR (Spliced Transcript Alignment to a Reference) is employed for aligning non-contiguous sequences to reference genomes.
  • STAR excels in mapping speed, sensitivity, and alignment accuracy.
  • User-defined scores for matches, mismatches, insertions, deletions, and splice junctions inform a quantitative evaluation of alignment quality.
  • Command line structure for using STAR includes specifying the genome directory and input files, with parallel computing capabilities through thread settings.
  • Key output files from STAR include Aligned.out.sam, Aligned.out.bam, and Aligned.out.tab, which are critical for further analysis like measuring gene expression levels.

STAR Alignment Phases

  • Seed Search Phase: Identifies Maximal Mappable Prefix (MMP), mapping substrings of reads to the reference genome.
  • Clustering/Stitching/Scoring Phase: Connects aligned seeds to form complete read alignments, ensuring treatment of paired-end reads as a single sequence.
  • Methodology permits numerous mismatches while restricting gaps, improving alignment in complex genomic regions.
  • Paired-end sequencing generally results in increased SNV calling post alignment compared to single-end sequencing.

RNA-Sequencing Post-Processing

  • The focus shifts to Differential Expression Analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to uncover biologically relevant pathways.
  • DESeq2 is the primary algorithm for detecting gene expression variations across different experimental conditions.
  • The method utilizes raw counts, reflecting the number of reads mapped to each gene in various samples.
  • DESeq2 applies a negative binomial distribution to model read counts, particularly advantageous for discrete, mean-variance correlated data.
  • Differential analysis accounts for library size variations across samples, ensuring unbiased comparisons in gene expression.

FastQC Overview

  • FastQC provides a graphical and tabular summary of data quality, highlighting poor-quality sections.
  • Results are generated in HTML format, allowing for easy file access and interaction.
  • Supports both interactive and offline analyses, enabling flexible usage.
  • Designed in Java, ensuring compatibility across various operating systems.

RNA-Seq Data Alignment

  • Alignment of paired-end RNA-Seq reads is performed against the reference genome HG38 (GRCh38.p12).
  • HG38 serves as a comprehensive model for human gene sequences and can be accessed via UCSC Genome Browser and Ensembl.
  • Aligning high-throughput sequencing datasets is essential for RNA-Seq data processing.
  • Sequenced reads are typically 150 base pairs, which is significantly smaller than the average human gene size of 24 kilobase pairs.
  • Challenges in alignment include potential deletions, insertions, mismatches, and sequencing errors.

STAR Alignment Tool

  • STAR (Spliced Transcript Alignment to a Reference) is utilized for aligning RNA-Seq data efficiently.
  • STAR excels in mapping speed, sensitivity, and accuracy compared to other aligners.
  • The tool incorporates user-defined penalties for matches, mismatches, insertions, deletions, and gaps, enabling comprehensive evaluation of alignment quality.
  • The basic STAR command requires input paths for the reference genome and paired-end reads, along with options for multi-threading.

STAR Output Files

  • Aligned read sequences are stored in various formats: Aligned.out.sam, Aligned.out.bam, and Aligned.out.tab.
  • These files are crucial for subsequent analyses such as splice variant identification and gene expression measurement.
  • STAR can align reads without prior knowledge of splice junctions, using a single alignment process.

Clustering and Scoring Mechanism

  • STAR employs a two-phase approach: seed search and clustering/stitching/scoring.
  • In the seed search phase, the Maximal Mappable Prefix (MMP) is identified to facilitate alignment.
  • Clustering connects aligned seeds, guided by local alignment scoring methods, while maintaining sensitivity through paired-end information.

Sequencing Techniques

  • Single-Read Sequencing allows sequencing from one end of DNA fragments, while Paired-End Sequencing sequences both ends, enhancing variant detection.
  • Paired-end strategy generally preferred due to increased sensitivity and improved alignment in repetitive genomic regions.

RNA-Seq Post-Processing

  • Post-initial processing focuses on Differential Expression Analysis (DEA) using DESeq2 and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).
  • DESeq2 is a leading algorithm for capturing variations in gene expression across different experimental conditions.
  • Utilizes raw counts representing read mapping to genes, adjusted for library size variations for unbiased comparisons.
  • Applies negative binomial distribution to model gene expression data, catering to its discrete nature and variance-mean correlation.

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