Journal article
Estimating Metabolic Equilibrium Constants: Progress and Future Challenges
University of California at San Diego1
Big Data 2 Knowledge, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark2
Network Reconstruction in Silico Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark3
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark4
Reaction equilibrium constants (Keqs) are key parameters that impose thermodynamic constraints on the function of a metabolic network. An important approach for Keq estimation is the group contribution method, which utilizes chemical moiety-based estimates of compound formation energies. In this Opinion, we delineate a number of current challenges with the group contribution method, specifically: 1) problems related to the completeness and quality of data necessary for reliable estimation, and 2) inadequacies of the method to represent the physical properties of compounds.
We then highlight a number of promising approaches to deal with the limitations of group contribution methods Further advancements should lead to more accurate prediction of equilibrium constants and a better representation of cellular function under biophysical constraints.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2018 |
Pages: | 960-969 |
ISSN: | 13624326 , 09680004 and 01677640 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.09.009 |
ORCIDs: | Palsson, Bernhard O. |