Concerns About Unreliable Data from Spotted cDNA Microarrays Due to Cross-Hybridization and Sequence Errors

We discuss our concerns regarding the reliability of data generated by spotted cDNA microarrays. Two types of error we highlight are cross-hybridization artifact due to sequence homologies and sequence errors in the cDNA used for spotting on microarrays. We feel that statisticians who analyze microarray data should be aware of these sources of unreliability intrinsic to cDNA microarray design and use.