Dr Itoh et al's paper, while interesting in its specific detail, has not grasped the basis of gene dosage. I recommend the authors reconsider this basis by consulting two early papers in TBMM (Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling), which is a BMC journal. The references are to John W Porteous' papers:
TBMM 1, 4, 2004
TBMM 1, 6, 2004
both of which are discussion on the meaning of Mendelian "genetics" (traits) when considered in the light of Kacser's Metabolic Regulation Hypothesis. Gene dosage is best understood only when levels of enzymes (or their products) approach a rate-limiting level within any metabolic (biocheical) pathway.
Competing interests
As indicated above, I am foundin editor (Editor-in Chief) of BMC's CCI and TBMM journals
Gene dosage - its misunderstood basis
5 April 2007
Dr Itoh et al's paper, while interesting in its specific detail, has not grasped the basis of gene dosage. I recommend the authors reconsider this basis by consulting two early papers in TBMM (Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling), which is a BMC journal. The references are to John W Porteous' papers:
TBMM 1, 4, 2004
TBMM 1, 6, 2004
both of which are discussion on the meaning of Mendelian "genetics" (traits) when considered in the light of Kacser's Metabolic Regulation Hypothesis. Gene dosage is best understood only when levels of enzymes (or their products) approach a rate-limiting level within any metabolic (biocheical) pathway.
Competing interests
As indicated above, I am foundin editor (Editor-in Chief) of BMC's CCI and TBMM journals