How to merge different microarray data sets from different platforms (not for differential expression analysis)?

Question

[Moni]

How to merge different microarray datasets from different platforms?
How to merge RNA-Seq data with Microarray data?

Answer 1

[Kevin Blighe]

Dear Moni,

I would not recommend the merging of microarray data from different platforms. Neither would I recommend the merging of RNA-seq data with microarray data. These are best analysed independently, followed by a comparison of the results.

If you must do it, I would normalise each dataset independently using the standardised methods for each technology/platform, and then transform each normalised dataset into Z-scores. Then, attempt to merge, but always keeping 'ArrayVersion' as a covariate in downstream modeling.

Also take a look at my answer here:

• A: How to integrate multiple data sets from microarray platform prior meta-analysis

Kevin