Scatter Plot and MA Plot
Last updated
Last updated
A scatter plot is a simple way to visualize differentially expressed genes. We can plot a scatter plot with gene expression values for two samples at one time. While most probe(sets)/genes fall on a 45° line, up- or down-regulated genes are positioned above or below the line.
To draw a scatter plot, you first need to transpose the original intensities spreadsheet so that the samples are on columns and probe(sets)/genes are on rows.
Select the main spreadsheet
Select Transform from the main toolbar
Select Create Transposed Spreadsheet...
Select the column with sample IDs from the drop-down menu
Select OK
A new temporary spreadsheet will be created with probe(sets)/genes on rows and samples on columns.
Select the two sample columns you would like to compare
Select View from the main toolbar
Select Scatter Plot (Figure 1)
Figure 1. Invoking a scatter plot from a spreadsheet with probe(sets)/genes on rows and samples on columns
Select Yes when asked if you want to only use the selected columns
Select Yes when asked if you are sure you would like to draw the scatter plot
The scatter plot will open in a new tab. We can add a regression line to the plot.
Select Axes
Select Set Regression Lines
Select Regression line of y on x
Set Line Width to 5
Select OK (Figure 2)
Figure 2. Configuring a regression line
Select OK to close the Plot Rendering Properties dialog
The scatter plot now features a regression line dividing the probe(sets)/genes (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Each dot on the plot represents the intensity value of a probe(set)/gene
The MA plot can be used to display a difference in expression patterns between two samples. The horizontal axis (A) shows the average intensity while the vertical axis (M) shows the intensity ratio between the two samples for the same data point. In essence, an MA plot is a scatter plot tilted to the side so that the differentially expressed probe(sets)/genes are located above or below the 0 value of M. An MA plot is also useful to visualize the results of normalization where you would hope to see the median of the values follow a horizontal line.
The MA plot is invoked on the original intensities spreadsheet with any need for transposition.
Select View from the main toolbar
Select MA Plot
The MA plot will launch in a new tab showing the first two rows as the comparison (Figure 4).
Figure 4. MA plot comparing the expression levels between two samples. Each dot on the plot represents a single genomic feature (gene or probe set). The average signal for each genomic feature is shown on the horizontal axis (A), while the ratio is shown on the vertical axis (M).
The samples displayed can be changed using the select sample menus on the left-hand side.
If you need additional assistance, please visit our support page to submit a help ticket or find phone numbers for regional support.
Select () from the plot command bar
