The number of biological replicates and technical replicates in proteomics experiments

Question

[wangdp123]

Hi there,

We are planning some proteomics experiments and I have the following two concerns regarding the replicate samples:

1) What are the minimum numbers of biological replicates (from different subjects) and technical replicates (from the same subject but run multiple times) respectively?

2) What is the best strategy to perform the statistical analysis with both biological replicates and technical replicates?

Many thanks,

Tom

Answer 1

[JC]

There is no good answer to that, proteomic assays are mostly variables (even on technical replicates). From a basic analysis at least you need 3 subjects with triplicates each, but the best answer as many as your budget allows.