transcription factor-target gene co-expression

[nazaninhoseinkhan]

Dear all,

I have a basic question.

I have constructed gene regulatory network for a bacterial pathogen based on expression data.

In resulted network high degree of co-expression was observed between TFs and their corresponding targets.

Can I come to this conclusion that as a result of such a considerable co-expression this bacterial species can better adapt to harsh conditions and can out-compete other bacterial species in for example co-infections?

I will appreciate any explanation

Nazanin

[CharonY]

The way you described it you can't. From the topology of a regulatory network you cannot deduce that somehow these fulfill certain roles or provide selective advantages. Obviously if the target genes are found to encode stress tolerance genes one could assume that the network is path of a stress-response system. But again, if you show co-expression, the only thing you can state is that those genes are likely regulated the same way. Elucidating the physiological role requires further information