In:
Journal of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd, Vol. 06, No. 04 ( 2008-08), p. 759-773
Abstract:
Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) represent 500–1000-bp-long sequences corresponding to mRNAs derived from different sources (cell lines, tissues, etc.). The human EST database contains over 8,000,000 sequences, with over 4,000,000,000 total nucleotides. RNA molecules are transcribed from a genomic DNA template; therefore, all ESTs should match corresponding genomes. Nevertheless, we have found in the human EST database approximately 11,000 ESTs not matching sequences in the human genome database. The presence of "trash" ESTs (TESTs) in the EST database could result from DNA or RNA contamination of the laboratory equipment, tissues, or cell lines. TESTs could also represent sequences from unidentified human genes or from species inhabiting the human body. Here, we attempt to identify the sources of human EST database contaminations. In particular, we discuss systematic contamination of the mammalian EST databases with sequences of plants.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0219-7200
,
1757-6334
DOI:
10.1142/S0219720008003709
Language:
English
Publisher:
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd
Publication Date:
2008
SSG:
12
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