17 Metabolic Control Analysis as a Tool in the Elucidation of the Function of Novel Genes

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses metabolic control analysis (MCA) as a tool in the elucidation of the function of novel genes. MCA is an attempt to understand quantitatively the global behavior of complex systems on the basis of the local properties of the components—the enzymes. In the past decade, substantial progress has been made to extend the MCA theory to more and more complex systems, such as large systems, group transfer pathways, channeling, and many more. The chapter explains the basic concepts and theorems of MCA because they may be applied to the functional analysis of novel genes. It explains MCA with respect to its implications for the elucidation of the functions of novel genes. All the experiments demonstrated in the chapter are done in silico using a simple kinetic model that mimics functional analysis experiments. A simple example is used in the chapter to illustrate the principles of MCA: the regulation of phosphofructokinase (PFK) by fructose, 2,6-bisphosphate (F26bP). The definitions and concepts of metabolic control analysis are also discussed in the chapter.