Gene network inference and visualization tools for biologists: application to new human transcriptome datasets

Nucleic Acids Res. 2012 Mar;40(6):2377-98. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkr902. Epub 2011 Nov 24.

Abstract

Gene regulatory networks inferred from RNA abundance data have generated significant interest, but despite this, gene network approaches are used infrequently and often require input from bioinformaticians. We have assembled a suite of tools for analysing regulatory networks, and we illustrate their use with microarray datasets generated in human endothelial cells. We infer a range of regulatory networks, and based on this analysis discuss the strengths and limitations of network inference from RNA abundance data. We welcome contact from researchers interested in using our inference and visualization tools to answer biological questions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Computer Graphics
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B p50 Subunit / metabolism
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Software*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • NF-kappa B p50 Subunit
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha