Zhu Yuerong, Zhu Yuelin, Xu Wei
Research and Development, BioInfoRx, Inc,, Middleton, WI 53562, USA.
BMC Bioinformatics. 2008 Jan 24;9:46. doi: 10.1186/1471-2105-9-46.
Though microarray experiments are very popular in life science research, managing and analyzing microarray data are still challenging tasks for many biologists. Most microarray programs require users to have sophisticated knowledge of mathematics, statistics and computer skills for usage. With accumulating microarray data deposited in public databases, easy-to-use programs to re-analyze previously published microarray data are in high demand.
EzArray is a web-based Affymetrix expression array data management and analysis system for researchers who need to organize microarray data efficiently and get data analyzed instantly. EzArray organizes microarray data into projects that can be analyzed online with predefined or custom procedures. EzArray performs data preprocessing and detection of differentially expressed genes with statistical methods. All analysis procedures are optimized and highly automated so that even novice users with limited pre-knowledge of microarray data analysis can complete initial analysis quickly. Since all input files, analysis parameters, and executed scripts can be downloaded, EzArray provides maximum reproducibility for each analysis. In addition, EzArray integrates with Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and allows instantaneous re-analysis of published array data.
EzArray is a novel Affymetrix expression array data analysis and sharing system. EzArray provides easy-to-use tools for re-analyzing published microarray data and will help both novice and experienced users perform initial analysis of their microarray data from the location of data storage. We believe EzArray will be a useful system for facilities with microarray services and laboratories with multiple members involved in microarray data analysis. EzArray is freely available from http://www.ezarray.com/.
尽管微阵列实验在生命科学研究中非常普遍，但对于许多生物学家来说，管理和分析微阵列数据仍然是具有挑战性的任务。大多数微阵列程序要求用户具备复杂的数学、统计学知识和计算机技能才能使用。随着公共数据库中积累的微阵列数据越来越多，对易于使用的程序来重新分析先前发表的微阵列数据的需求很高。
EzArray是一个基于网络的Affymetrix表达阵列数据管理和分析系统，适用于需要高效组织微阵列数据并立即进行数据分析的研究人员。EzArray将微阵列数据组织成项目，可以使用预定义或自定义程序在线进行分析。EzArray使用统计方法进行数据预处理和差异表达基因的检测。所有分析程序都经过优化且高度自动化，因此即使是对微阵列数据分析预先了解有限的新手用户也能快速完成初步分析。由于所有输入文件、分析参数和执行的脚本都可以下载，EzArray为每次分析提供了最大的可重复性。此外，EzArray与基因表达综合数据库（GEO）集成，并允许对已发表的阵列数据进行即时重新分析。
EzArray是一个新颖的Affymetrix表达阵列数据分析和共享系统。EzArray提供了易于使用的工具来重新分析已发表的微阵列数据，并将帮助新手和有经验的用户从数据存储位置对其微阵列数据进行初步分析。我们相信EzArray对于提供微阵列服务的机构以及有多个成员参与微阵列数据分析的实验室将是一个有用的系统。EzArray可从http://www.ezarray.com/免费获取。
