Metabolic networks from a systems perspective: From experiment to biological interpretation

Abstract

Recently, we introduced a novel concept for the analysis of metabolite in vivo dynamics based on the differential comprehensive identification and quantification of metabolite profiles (Weckwerth et al., 2001, 2004a; Weckwerth 2003). Using a metabolite connectivity matrix it is possible to define key-points at which behaviour is changed in metabolic networks (Weckwerth et aL, 2004a). Most importantly, the differences are defined from a systems perspective and not for isolated parts of the biochemical system. Using this approach, novel hypotheses are generated ranging from gene function to pleiotropic effects. To interpret the biological significance of observed changes meaningfully, we developed an integrative profiling approach that complements highly complex connectivity networks with data on protein expression, transcript levels, and environmental data (see Figure 1) (Weckwerth et al, 2004b). The aim of these studies is to provide a global view of in vivo biological system dynamics in the context of developmental state, environment, or gene alteration. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved.