Computationally Driven, Quantitative Experiments Discover Genes Required for Mitochondrial Biogenesis
2009

Discovering Genes Required for Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Sample size: 193 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hess David C., Myers Chad L., Huttenhower Curtis, Hibbs Matthew A., Hayes Alicia P., Paw Jadine, Clore John J., Mendoza Rosa M., Luis Bryan San, Nislow Corey, Giaever Guri, Costanzo Michael, Troyanskaya Olga G., Caudy Amy A.

Primary Institution: Princeton University

Hypothesis

Can computational predictions combined with quantitative experiments identify new genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis?

Conclusion

The study identified 109 proteins required for mitochondrial biogenesis, many of which have not been previously characterized.

Supporting Evidence

  • Identified 100 proteins whose deficiency alters mitochondrial biogenesis.
  • Nearly half of the newly characterized proteins are conserved in mammals.
  • 47 of the identified proteins had not been previously localized to mitochondria.
  • 83 of the initial predictions were confirmed to play a role in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Takeaway

Scientists found over 100 new proteins that help cells make and pass on mitochondria, which are important for energy production.

Methodology

The study used computational predictions and quantitative assays to identify and confirm the roles of genes in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Potential Biases

The reliance on computational predictions may overlook important genes that do not fit the predicted models.

Limitations

The study may not have identified all genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis due to the focus on computational predictions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000407

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