Gene network and homology help. Can I assume that genes found in mice act similar to the same genes found in humans?

Question

[humzahmahm]

I am an undergrad student in an intro to Bioinformatics course, and I am currently doing an independent project to explore different methods of analysis.

In particular, in a paper I am currently reading, it states that there are 4 proteins that have been found to interact together and prevent a disease in mice.

If these genes are also found in humans, can I assume that these genes will have a similar network function in a human model?

Answer 1

[GenoMax]

A comprehensive list of human/mouse homologs is available from MGI at Jackson labs. This class report file is also useful.

[humzahmahm]

This is great, I found the genes I was looking for. Thank you

Answer 2

[Jean-Karim Heriche]

It depends on what you mean by network function. I think it's quite reasonable to assume that orthologs are involved in the same biological process. In many cases, it can be shown that a human gene can rescue the loss of function phenotype of a mouse ortholog and vice versa.

Edit: corrected typo

Answer 3

[Chris Miller]

Nope! You can cite it as evidence that they may play similar roles in human, but you should always proceed cautiously, even when moving between closely related mammalian species.

[humzahmahm]

Thank you so much for your response!