RELATCH: relative optimality in metabolic networks explains robust metabolic and regulatory responses to perturbations
Genome Biology, 13 (9):
R78+ (Sep 26, 2012)DOI: 10.1186/gb-2012-13-9-r78
Abstract
Predicting cellular responses to perturbations is an important task in systems biology. We report a new approach, RELATCH, which uses flux and gene expression data from a reference state to predict metabolic responses in a genetically or environmentally perturbed state. Using the concept of relative optimality, which considers relative flux changes from a reference state, we hypothesize a relative metabolic flux pattern is maintained from one state to another, and that cells adapt to perturbations using metabolic and regulatory reprogramming to preserve this relative flux pattern. This constraint-based approach will have broad utility where predictions of metabolic responses are needed.