GridR: An R-based tool for scientific data analysis in grid environments

In this paper, we describe an analysis tool based on the statistical environment R, GridR, which allows using the collection of methodologies available as R packages in a grid environment. It provides the user with transparent and seamless access to large-scale distributed computational services and data repositories within the secure and reliable framework of a grid system. The aim of GridR, which was initiated in the context of the EU project Advancing Clinico-Genomics Trials on Cancer (ACGT), is to provide a powerful framework for the analysis of clinico-genomic trials involving large amount of data (e.g. microarray-based clinical trials). As a proof of the concept, an example of microarray-based analysis taken from the literature was reproduced using GridR.