Modelling steroidogenesis: a framework model to support hypothesis generation and testing across endocrine studies

O'Hara, L., O'Shaughnessy, P. J. , Freeman, T. C. and Smith, L. B. (2018) Modelling steroidogenesis: a framework model to support hypothesis generation and testing across endocrine studies. BMC Research Notes, 11, 252. (doi: 10.1186/s13104-018-3365-y) (PMID:29690918) (PMCID:PMC5937803)

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Abstract

Objective: Steroid hormones are responsible for the control of a wide range of physiological processes such as development, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and aging. Because of the variety of enzymes, substrates and products that take part in steroidogenesis and the compartmentalisation of its constituent reactions, it is a complex process to visualise and document. One of the goals of systems biology is to quantitatively describe the behaviour of complex biological systems that involve the interaction of many components. This can be done by representing these interactions visually in a pathway model and then optionally constructing a mathematical model of the interactions. Results: We have used the modifed Edinburgh Pathway Notation to construct a framework diagram describing human steroidogenic pathways, which will be of use to endocrinologists. To demonstrate further utility, we show how such models can be parameterised with empirical data within the software Graphia Professional, to recapitulate specifc examples of steroid hormone production, and also to mimic gene knockout. These framework models support in silico hypothesis generation and testing with utility across endocrine endpoints, with signifcant potential to reduce costs, time and animal numbers, whilst informing the design of planned studies.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was funded by BBSRC Project Grant awards (BB/J015105/1: to LBS, TCF and PJO); (BB/N007026/1: to LBS, LO and TCF) and a Medical Research Council Programme Grant award (MR/N002970/1: to LBS).
Keywords:Diagram, model, steroidogenesis.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:O'Shaughnessy, Professor Peter
Authors: O'Hara, L., O'Shaughnessy, P. J., Freeman, T. C., and Smith, L. B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:BMC Research Notes
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1756-0500
ISSN (Online):1756-0500
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Research Notes 11: 252
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
694851Androgens: unlocking the key drivers of male health and wellbeingColin SelmanMedical Research Council (MRC)MR/N002970/1RI BIODIVERSITY ANIMAL HEALTH & COMPMED