Global similarity and local divergence in human and mouse gene co-expression networks
2006

Comparing Gene Expression Networks in Humans and Mice

Sample size: 9105 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tsaparas Panayiotis, Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo, Bodenreider Olivier, Koonin Eugene V, Jordan I King

Primary Institution: University of Helsinki

Hypothesis

How do human and mouse gene expression patterns differ at the global and local levels?

Conclusion

While the overall structure of gene expression networks in humans and mice is similar, the specific gene relationships within those networks are highly divergent.

Supporting Evidence

  • The global properties of human and mouse gene coexpression networks are nearly identical.
  • Less than 10% of coexpressed gene pair relationships are conserved between humans and mice.
  • The study found that gene expression divergence is rapid but still subject to functional constraints.

Takeaway

Humans and mice have similar overall gene expression patterns, but the specific genes that work together can be very different.

Methodology

A comparative analysis of gene expression patterns was performed using data from 9,105 orthologous human-mouse gene pairs across 28 tissues, focusing on coexpression networks.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the selection of gene pairs and the methods used for measuring expression similarity.

Limitations

The study may not account for all biological and experimental variances affecting gene expression.

Participant Demographics

The study analyzed gene expression data from human and mouse tissues.

Statistical Information

P-Value

3.4e-5

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2148-6-70

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication