Estimating Metabolic Equilibrium Constants: Progress and Future Challenges

Bin Du, Daniel C. Zielinski*, Bernhard O. Palsson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences
Volume43
Issue number12
Pages (from-to)960-969
ISSN0968-0004
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Group contribution
  • Equilibrium constants
  • Metabolism
  • Thermodynamics

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