On this page researchers can find detailed information describing how TARGET data was generated by genomic platform, including protocols for establishing high-quality nucleic acid samples. 

*Note to users: Protocols are currently being added to this site, as a large portion of the data and metadata were recently released onto the TARGET Data Matrix. Please continue to check back in the coming weeks as updates are completed, and contact ocg@mail.nih.gov [1] with any questions. 

TARGET Sample Naming 

TARGET samples are named using a coding system specific to OCG characterization programs. Please use the OCG Sample Codes document to properly discern the metadata reiterated within the sample name. OCG-Project-Codes_Tissues-and-Samples_03-02-2021.pdf [2]

Nucleic Acid Sample Processing

TARGET project teams use high-quality RNA and DNA from case-matched tumor and normal tissues to generate comprehensive genomics data. Below is a table outlining how each project team generated those samples.