Extracting DNA words based on the sequence features: non-uniform distribution and integrity

BACKGROUND: DNA sequence can be viewed as an unknown language with words as its functional units. Given that most sequence alignment algorithms such as the motif discovery algorithms depend on the quality of background information about sequences, it is necessary to develop an ab initio algorithm for extracting the “words” based only on the DNA sequences. METHODS: We considered that non-uniform distribution and integrity were two important features of a word, based on which we developed an ab initio algorithm to extract “DNA words” that have potential functional meaning. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for consistency test of uniform distribution of DNA sequences, and the integrity was judged by the sequence and position alignment. Two random base sequences were adopted as negative control, and an English book was used as positive control to verify our algorithm. We applied our algorithm to the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 10 strains of Escherichia coli to show the utility of the methods. RESULTS: The results provide strong evidences that the algorithm is a promising tool for ab initio building a DNA dictionary. CONCLUSIONS: Our method provides a fast way for large scale screening of important DNA elements and offers potential insights into the understanding of a genome. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12976-016-0028-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.