arXiv:2511.02332q-bio.MNcs.AI2025-11

提出新方法破解生物网络反馈环难题,精准推断基因调控关系。

Biological Regulatory Network Inference through Circular Causal Structure Learning

  • 基于非线性结构方程与连续优化,建模含反馈环的因果结构。
  • 在转录调控与信号通路网络中优于现有方法,尤其擅长发现反馈调节。
  • 可挖掘未知调控关系,识别结肠炎癌变中的关键驱动基因。

生物网络对解析生物系统复杂性与功能至关重要。因果推断通过确定变量间作用方向与强度,超越单纯相关性,是推断生物网络的合理途径。现有因果结构推断方法多假设变量间关系可用有向无环图(DAG)表示,但这一假设与生物系统中普遍存在的反馈环相悖,限制了其应用。本文提出新框架SCALD(Structural CAusal model for Loop Diagram),采用非线性结构方程模型与基于连续优化的稳定反馈环条件约束,实现含反馈环系统的因果调控关系推断。实验表明,SCALD在转录调控网络与信号转导网络推断中均优于当前先进方法,尤其在识别反馈调控方面具有不可替代优势。基于转录因子(TF)扰动数据验证了其准确性与敏感性。此外,SCALD成功发现此前未知的调控关系,并经ChIP-seq数据确认。进一步利用SCALD分析炎症向癌症转化过程中网络动态变化,识别出关键驱动基因。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

Biological networks are pivotal in deciphering the complexity and functionality of biological systems. Causal inference, which focuses on determining the directionality and strength of interactions between variables rather than merely relying on correlations, is considered a logical approach for inferring biological networks. Existing methods for causal structure inference typically assume that causal relationships between variables can be represented by directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). However, this assumption is at odds with the reality of widespread feedback loops in biological systems, making these methods unsuitable for direct use in biological network inference. In this study, we propose a new framework named SCALD (Structural CAusal model for Loop Diagram), which employs a nonlinear structure equation model and a stable feedback loop conditional constraint through continuous optimization to infer causal regulatory relationships under feedback loops. We observe that SCALD outperforms state-of-the-art methods in inferring both transcriptional regulatory networks and signaling transduction networks. SCALD has irreplaceable advantages in identifying feedback regulation. Through transcription factor (TF) perturbation data analysis, we further validate the accuracy and sensitivity of SCALD. Additionally, SCALD facilitates the discovery of previously unknown regulatory relationships, which we have subsequently confirmed through ChIP-seq data analysis. Furthermore, by utilizing SCALD, we infer the key driver genes that facilitate the transformation from colon inflammation to cancer by examining the dynamic changes within regulatory networks during the process.

因果推断生物网络反馈环基因调控

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