What does "Enrichment Analysis" mean?
Table of Contents
Enrichment analysis is a method used to determine if certain groups of genes or proteins are overrepresented in a set of data compared to what we would expect by chance. This approach helps researchers understand whether specific biological pathways, functions, or features are more common in their data than in a larger set.
Purpose
The main goal of enrichment analysis is to identify important biological themes or processes that may be associated with specific conditions or traits. By finding these associations, scientists can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of diseases or other biological phenomena.
How It Works
Researchers start with a list of genes or proteins that were identified in their experiments. They then compare this list to known databases that contain information about various biological pathways and functions. If certain pathways or functions appear more often in their list than expected, it suggests that those pathways might play a significant role in the observed phenomena.
Applications
Enrichment analysis can be useful in diverse fields, including medicine, genetics, and environmental science. For example, it helps in identifying potential targets for new treatments, understanding genetic risks for diseases, or studying how organisms respond to environmental changes.
Overall, enrichment analysis is a powerful tool that aids scientists in interpreting complex data, revealing connections between genes and biological functions.