Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Mapping Bacterial Functional Networks and Pathways in Escherichia Coli using Synthetic Genetic Arrays
Published on: November 12, 2012
The modifiers that cause changes in gene essentiality
Amandine Batté1, Núria Bosch-Guiteras1, Carles Pons2
1Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Mutant phenotypes often vary across genetically distinct individuals. To identify the causes of such genetic background effects, we studied differences in gene essentiality across 18 genetically diverse natural yeast strains. We identified 39 genes that were essential in the laboratory reference strain but not in at least one other genetic background, and we mapped and validated the genetic variants that were responsible for the differences in gene essentiality. These variants typically occurred in single modifier genes that tended to differ between genetic backgrounds. The affected genes often indirectly compensated for the loss of the essential gene and identified naturally occurring evolutionary trajectories. Overall, our results highlight the prevalence of changes in gene essentiality in natural populations, as well as the underlying mechanisms. A thorough understanding of the causes of genetic background effects is crucial for the interpretation of genotype-to-phenotype relationships, including those associated with human disease.
Related Concept Videos
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Epigenetic Regulation
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
What is Gene Expression?
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Mutations in Microorganisms

