Inferring Network Connectivity with Combined Perturbations

Andrew Krueger
Boston University Biomedical Engineering

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     Last modified: May 12, 2006

Abstract
Our planet is filled with complex systems of interacting components, which can be made up of genes, neurons, people or computers. Network models provide a means to understand the function of such systems, and perturbation studies provide an effective way to validate such models. Combined perturbations are especially valuable because they provide direct information on functional connections between components. We have devised an approach for deducing the nature of such functional connections from quantitative responses to multiple perturbations. Here we present an application of this methodology to a biological context, with simulations of metabolic pathways that are validated by cell-based experiments. We also explore how applicable this approach is to other network systems.