Using protein abundance to indicate underlying mRNA expression levels in E.coli: an SEM modelling approach.

Do steady-state protein levels accurately predict mRNA levels? Based on the central dogma (DNA RNA protein) current protein levels are representative of mRNA present at an earlier time. However, most cellular mRNA protein comparative studies try to relate steady-state protein levels to current mRNA levels in cells. Protein steady-states are more correctly related to protein production, protein degradation and other complex cellular conditions. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) we relate linear protein measurements to latent mRNA in E.coli. This method can be used to find the optimal protein measurements that explain underlying mRNA expression, and better understand the proteomic and transcriptomic relationship in E.coli gene expression.