SELDI-TOF mass spectra: A view on sources of variation

Adequate interpretation of mass spectrometry data can yield valuable biomarkers. However, spectrum interpretation is a complicated task. This paper reviews the various factors that determine a sample's spectrum and demonstrates the role of these factors in the interpretation process. We derive a simulation model that adequately predicts the expected spectrum based on known sample content and, in the reverse mode, obtain an analysis model that adequately fits an observed spectrum based on the hypothesized sources of variation.