Explorations in topology-delving underneath the surface of genetic interaction maps

High throughput assays, as well as advances in computational approaches, have recently allowed the acquisition of vast amounts of genetic interaction (GI) data in several organisms. Since GIs are a functional measure that reports on the effect of a mutation in one gene on the phenotype of a mutation in another, they can serve as a powerful tool to study both the function of individual genes and the wiring of biological networks. Therefore, these data hold much promise for advancing our understanding of cellular systems. In this review we focus on the methodologies currently available for using and interpreting large datasets of GIs for functional gene groups (GI maps), and elaborate on the challenges ahead. In addition, we discuss potential applications for the study of evolution and disease mechanisms, and highlight the need for comprehensive integrative analysis to extract the wealth of information found in these maps.