5 RNA-Sequencing: Methods & Technique
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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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the bcl2fastq software?

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

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

    <p>--genomeDir</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</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</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</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</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</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</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</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which task is primarily performed by the Bcl2fastq software?

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

    In FastQC reports, which aspect is NOT typically assessed?

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

    Which statement accurately describes a function performed by FastQC?

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

    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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    RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a remarkable technique researchers use in genomics and molecular biology to obtain a complete profiling of the entire transcriptome. The methodology applied is based on the identification and quantification of the various types of existing RNAs, such as mRNA, non-coding RNA and microRNA, as well as the detection of the mechanism of activation and inhibition of genes and how their expression is regulated. In addition, the methodology allows for differential analyses between the different conditions, comparing the transcripts in order to identify the resulting pathways and biological processes.

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