Scatter Plot

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.

A new temporary spreadsheet will be created with probe(sets)/genes on rows and samples on columns. 

The scatter plot will open in a new tab. We can add a regression line to the plot.

The scatter plot now features a regression line dividing the probe(sets)/genes (Figure 3).


MA Plot

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. 

The MA plot will launch in a new tab showing the first two rows as the comparison (Figure 4).

 The samples displayed can be changed using the select sample menus on the left-hand side.