Experimental validation of predicted cancer genes using FRET

Huge amounts of data are generated in genome wide experiments, designed to investigatediseases with complex genetic causes. Follow up of all potential leads produced by suchexperiments is currently cost prohibitive and time consuming. Gene prioritization toolsalleviate these constraints by directing further experimental efforts towards the mostpromising candidate targets. Recently a gene prioritization tool called MaxLink was shown tooutperform other widely used state-of-the-art prioritization tools in a large scale in silicobenchmark. An experimental validation of predictions made by MaxLink has however beenlacking. In this study we used Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer, an establishedexperimental technique for detection of protein-protein interactions, to validate potentialcancer genes predicted by MaxLink. Our results provide confidence in the use of MaxLink forselection of new targets in the battle with polygenic diseases.
QC 20171003