Sample size to identify RNA editing sites

Question

[weiwei08]

Good day all

I am fresh in the field of research and recently starting my study in identifying RNA editing sites in my sample by comparing RNA and DNA sequencing data collecting from a single individual. While there were few published that identify RNA editing sites from only single individual (n=1) as well as include multiple individuals, i would like to seek advise from all of you on:

1. Is n=1 sufficient to identify RNA editing sites?
2. How does my sample size affect the edited sites discovered?
3. How do researchers usually justify for their sample size in writing a paper?

Thank you so much in advance!

Answer 1

[h.mon]

1) Is n=1 sufficient to identify RNA editing sites?

Yes, if there is enough DNA and RNA sequencing depth. But how interesting is that? And one what? One individual? One tissue from one individual?

2) How does my sample size affect the edited sites discovered?

Increasing sample size (which, for sequencing, may mean increase sequencing depth and / or number of replicates) generally speaking improves statistical accuracy. However, I am not aware of studies evaluating the relation between sample sizes and RNA editing discovery.

3) How do researchers usually justify for their sample size in writing a paper?

You are very, very far away from this point right now, and also approaching it the wrong way. The question should be: How do researchers determine an appropriate sample size and design a solid experiment?