Figure 2

Common steps employed to ensure quality and validity of microarray results. From a quality control standpoint, replicates should be performed using RNA samples prepared at the same time under the same conditions. Various features of the arrays being used should also be known, especially the controls. To verify the results generated from microarray experiments, a combinatorial approach is usually needed; checking the statistical significance associated with the expression levels of specific genes, reviewing the literature, and conducting additional experiments such as RT-PCR or Northern blotting.