On the analysis of the Illumina 450K array data: probes ambiguously mapped to the human genome

TL;DR

This paper highlights that many CpG probes on the Illumina 450K array map ambiguously to multiple genome locations, which can affect data interpretation.

Contribution

It identifies and emphasizes the importance of considering ambiguous probe mappings in Illumina 450K array analyses.

Findings

Many probes have ambiguous mappings to multiple genome loci

Ambiguous probes can impact the accuracy of methylation analysis

Researchers should account for probe ambiguity in data interpretation

Abstract

We pointed out that a substantial number of CpG probes on the Illumina 450K array could be mapped to multiple loci across the human genome. These CpGs need to be considered when interpreting results using this platform.