Ab initio genotype-phenotype association reveals intrinsic modularity in genetic networks.

TitleAb initio genotype-phenotype association reveals intrinsic modularity in genetic networks.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsSlonim N, Elemento O, Tavazoie S
JournalMol Syst Biol
Volume2
Pagination2006.0005
Date Published2006
ISSN1744-4292
KeywordsBacteria, Genotype, Inheritance Patterns, Models, Genetic, Phenotype, Phylogeny
Abstract

Microbial species express an astonishing diversity of phenotypic traits, behaviors, and metabolic capacities. However, our molecular understanding of these phenotypes is based almost entirely on studies in a handful of model organisms that together represent only a small fraction of this phenotypic diversity. Furthermore, many microbial species are not amenable to traditional laboratory analysis because of their exotic lifestyles and/or lack of suitable molecular genetic techniques. As an adjunct to experimental analysis, we have developed a computational information-theoretic framework that produces high-confidence gene-phenotype predictions using cross-species distributions of genes and phenotypes across 202 fully sequenced archaea and eubacteria. In addition to identifying the genetic basis of complex traits, our approach reveals the organization of these genes into generic preferentially co-inherited modules, many of which correspond directly to known enzymatic pathways, molecular complexes, signaling pathways, and molecular machines.

DOI10.1038/msb4100047
Alternate JournalMol. Syst. Biol.
PubMed ID16732191
PubMed Central IDPMC1681479
Grant ListR56 HG003219 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States