Syntax:
    GIMP: PGH={probability that a randomly formed mutation hits a critical gene}
Example:
    GIMP: PGH=1.0E-02

Purpose: probability that a randomly formed mutation hits a critical gene.

Data Type: real 

Unit: n/a

Default: 10^-1

Comments:  A reasonable range of values for PGH can be estimated by multiplying the total number of target genes times the average gene size and then dividing by the total genome size. The human genome contains approximately 2.91´10⁹ base pair (bp) and 25,000 to 40,000 genes (Venter et al. 2001).  The average size of a human gene is approximately 27,000 bp (Venter et al. 2001).  Therefore, if all genes are a potential target for the induction of genomic instability, PGH may be as high as to 0.232 to 0.371.  Damage to non-coding sections of the DNA may also contribute to the induction of genomic instability (increase PGH) by disrupting signalling pathways or altering gene expression.  If only a few tens or hundreds of genes are critical to maintaining genome stability, PGH may be as low as 10^-4 to 10^-2.  Genomic instability tends to increase as the product PGA*PGH*NCG increases.

Last updated: 10 June, 2011
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