Assessing statistical significance in causal graphs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Causal graphs are an increasingly popular tool for the analysis of biological datasets. In particular, signed causal graphs--directed graphs whose edges additionally have a sign denoting upregulation or downregulation--can be used to model regulatory networks within a cell. Such models allow prediction of downstream effects of regulation of biological entities; conversely, they also enable inference of causative agents behind observed expression changes. However, due to their complex nature, signed causal graph models present special challenges with respect to assessing statistical significance. In this paper we frame and solve two fundamental computational problems that arise in practice when computing appropriate null distributions for hypothesis testing.

Results

SUBMITTER: Chindelevitch L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3307026 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature