Biclustering via Semiparametric Bayesian Inference

Motivated by classes of problems frequently found in the analysis of gene expression data, we propose a semiparametric Bayesian model to detect biclusters, that is, subsets of individuals sharing similar patterns over a set of conditions. Our approach is based on the well-known plaid model by Lazzeroni and Owen (2002). By assuming a truncated stick-breaking prior we also find the number of biclusters present in the data as part of the inference. Evidence from a simulation study shows that the model is capable of correctly detecting biclusters and performs well compared to some competing approaches. The flexibility of the proposed prior is demonstrated with applications to the analysis of gene expression data (continuous responses) and histone modifications data (count responses).