RNfuzzyApp: an R shiny RNA-seq data analysis app for visualisation, differential expression analysis, time-series clustering and enrichment analysis

F1000Res. 2021 Jul 26:10:654. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.54533.2. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a widely adopted affordable method for large scale gene expression profiling. However, user-friendly and versatile tools for wet-lab biologists to analyse RNA-seq data beyond standard analyses such as differential expression, are rare. Especially, the analysis of time-series data is difficult for wet-lab biologists lacking advanced computational training. Furthermore, most meta-analysis tools are tailored for model organisms and not easily adaptable to other species. With RNfuzzyApp, we provide a user-friendly, web-based R shiny app for differential expression analysis, as well as time-series analysis of RNA-seq data. RNfuzzyApp offers several methods for normalization and differential expression analysis of RNA-seq data, providing easy-to-use toolboxes, interactive plots and downloadable results. For time-series analysis, RNfuzzyApp presents the first web-based, fully automated pipeline for soft clustering with the Mfuzz R package, including methods to aid in cluster number selection, cluster overlap analysis, Mfuzz loop computations, as well as cluster enrichments. RNfuzzyApp is an intuitive, easy to use and interactive R shiny app for RNA-seq differential expression and time-series analysis, offering a rich selection of interactive plots, providing a quick overview of raw data and generating rapid analysis results. Furthermore, its assignment of orthologs, enrichment analysis, as well as ID conversion functions are accessible to non-model organisms.

Keywords: Mfuzz; R shiny; RNA-seq; data normalization; data visualization; differential expression analysis; soft clustering; time-series analysis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • Data Analysis*
  • Mobile Applications*
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA-Seq
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA / methods

Substances

  • RNA

Associated data

  • Dryad/10.5061/dryad.8pk0p2nnd

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the French National Research Agency with ANR grant ANR-18-CE45-0016-01 MITO-DYNAMICS awarded to BHH.