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Metabolic pathway analysis: basic concepts and scientific applications in the post-genomic era
C H Schilling1, S Schuster, B O Palsson
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0412, USA.
Biotechnology Progress
|June 5, 1999
Summary
This review explores metabolic pathway analysis, detailing computer-aided synthesis and algebraic concepts like null space. It highlights how these reveal fundamental pathways for metabolic engineering and genome annotation.
Area of Science:
- Systems Biology
- Metabolic Engineering
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Metabolic pathway analysis is crucial for understanding cellular functions.
- Advances in computational tools and genomic data necessitate sophisticated analysis methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and computational approaches in metabolic pathway analysis.
- To explain key algebraic concepts and their metabolic relevance.
- To discuss applications in genome annotation and biotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development in metabolic pathway analysis.
- Explanation of algebraic concepts: null space and convex cone.
- Illustration using the glyoxylate cycle and associated reactions.
Main Results:
- Algebraic concepts translate to fundamental metabolic pathways (elementary flux modes).
- Demonstration of these concepts with a specific metabolic network.
- Outlined interrelations with metabolic control theory.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic pathway analysis provides insights into cellular metabolism architecture.
- Applications include genome annotation and rational metabolic engineering.
- Future potential for redesigning cellular metabolism using genomic data.