Do independent t-tests on multiple dependent variables for the same subjects need correction for Type I error?

My experiment has one independent variable with 2 levels (sham & surgery) and I have run a PCR experiment on several genes for the subjects in each group. So, each gene is its own dependent variable and I am running a t-test for each gene to assess whether there is a significant difference.

I understand that for multiple comparisons between groups in one dependent variable requires a correction for type I error however does this apply when I am only running one t-test per dependent variable? In this case there are six genes in my experiment so I would be doing 6 t-tests on separate measures (thought the genes all come from the same set of subjects). Do I still treat these t-tests in the way I would treat 6 multiple comparisons in an ANOVA and use something like a bonferroni correction for the p value?

• In addition to the ANOVA analysis, you may want follow that up with a pairwise.wilcox.test – Dave2e Oct 24 '18 at 13:12
• Perhaps I didn't make my question very clear but I am not doing an ANOVA but a number of t-tests I just want to know whether the issue is Type I error should be considered when I am only doing one t-test for each of my 6 dependent variables. – Gency Oct 24 '18 at 13:18
• If you are running one test for each variable / gene then no, you do not need to correct these p-values. – user2974951 Oct 25 '18 at 8:04