Correct Terminology: Predicted Orthologs Vs Inferred Orthologs Vs Assigned Orthologs

Question

[Fabsta]

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!

Answer 1

[2184687-1231-83-]

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.

Answer 2

[Javier Herrero]

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".

Answer 3

[Spitshine]

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.

Answer 4

[Paul_Muller]

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