Fig. 4

RNAseq data can be used to assess performance of candidate reference genes and to screen for new reference genes. a Relative expression of candidate reference genes based on the RNA-seq data from cord blood of preterm and full-term neonates [15]. Data was normalized to the group mean gene expression of preterm neonates and presented as mean ± SD. b Fold-change gene expression difference between full-term and preterm neonates. c Following systematic analysis of the RNA-seq data, the relative expression of genes with the lowest CV are depicted. Data was normalized to the group mean gene expression of preterm neonates and presented as mean ± SD. d Fold-change gene expression difference between full-term and preterm neonates. e Relative gene expression of candidate reference genes based on the RNA-seq data from peripheral blood of full-term neonates taken at day of life (DOL) 0 and additionally at either DOL 1, 3 or 7 [17]. Data was normalized to the group mean gene expression of DOL 0 and presented as mean ± SD. f Fold-change gene expression difference between DOL 7 and DOL 0. g Systematic analysis of RNA-seq datasets GSE123070 (dataset “A”) and GSE111404 (dataset “B”) [17]. h Following systematic analysis of the RNA-seq data, the relative expression of genes with the lowest CV are depicted. Data was normalized to the group mean gene expression of DOL 0 and presented as mean ± SD. i Fold-change gene expression difference between DOL 7 and DOL 0