Figure 5

Examples for identified Granger causalities. Metabolite, protein, and physiological data were combined and analyzed with respect to time-shifted correlations using the toolbox COVAIN [38]. This procedure, called Granger causality, allows for the identification of directed correlations or nonlinear processes. Therefore, these associations must be carefully interpreted. (A) The metabolite nicotinic acid (NA) shows a time-shift behavior with respect to an NAD-reductase. Because NA is an intermediate in NAD biosynthesis, the increased levels of NAD-reductase may be involved in the consumption of NA. (B) A clathrin assembly protein involved in vesicle formation (COP II, see also Discussion) follows with a time-shift the accumulation of total lipids. After readdition of N, the protein concentration declines. This protein is also highly correlated to a major lipid droplet protein, glycerol, and various fatty acids, indicating its potential role in the formation of lipid bodies during N starvation (for further details see Results and Discussion sections).