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Correct Terminology: Predicted Orthologs Vs Inferred Orthologs Vs Assigned Orthologs

Hello! My question regards the correct terminology when talking about orthologous genes. Assuming all of the following expressions are more or less correct, I was wondering, which one might be the most accurate?

  • List predicted orthology relationship
  • List inferred orthology relationship
  • List assigned orthology relationship

Furthermore, should it be "ortholog group" or "orthologous group"? The latter seems to be grammatically correct. I am interested to hear your opinion on this!

Thanks for you help!

orthologues
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updated by Javier Herrero • Javier Herrero • written by Fabsta Fabsta

4 answers

I would use both "predicted orthology relationship" and "inferred orthology relationship" interchangeably. I agree "Groups of orthologs" is a good way of expressing a bunch of genes that are orthologous to each other.

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written by 2184687-1231-83- 2184687-1231-83-

Predicted or inferred sound safer than assigned orthologs.

I would be careful with the concept of a group of orthologs. If the gene is duplicated in any species, mouse for example, you should have two mouse genes in your group. These mouse genes being paralogues, it is a bit strange to call the whole set "ortholog group".

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written by Javier Herrero • Javier Herrero

I vote for "inferred orthology relationship" and "orthologous group" although

"Groups of orthologs" is more precise than orthologous groups. The latter sounds like a group of co-orthologs/in-paralogs to me.

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written by Spitshine Spitshine

How about just calling them what they really are? Homologs!

• 2 views • link
written by Paul_Muller • Paul_Muller

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