Re-use of functional genomics data

The functional genomics data in archival databases can be downloaded and re-used provided that the database, accession number and original paper are cited.

The data can be used to:

• perform meta-analyses to answer a specific biological question
• evaluate analysis methods
• re-analysis for inclusion in value-added databases such as Expression Atlas

Before reusing the data, it is important to:

• check that the data is available for all the samples
• check that there is sufficient annotation and description of the samples and protocols so that you can understand the design of the experiment and how it was performed
• review the design of the study
       – Are there enough replicates?
       – What were the controls?
       – Does it address the biological questions you are asking?
• revise and re-annotate the probes/reference genomes
• perform quality control analysis on the samples

For a more detailed discussion of the re-use of public functional genomics data see Rung and Brazma. 2012 (5).