FastCore

FastCore is a software tool to streamline the process of constructing context-specific metabolic network models from global genome-wide networks, such as Recon X. This tool addresses the need for efficient algorithms in the face of extensive testing and parameter tuning required by high-throughput data analysis in systemic biological studies. FastCore operates by taking a predefined core set of reactions, known to be active within a particular context (e.g., a specific cell type or tissue), and then identifying a flux-consistent subnetwork. This subnetwork encompasses all reactions from the core set, along with a minimal selection of additional reactions, ensuring a comprehensive yet efficient model reconstruction.

The foundation of FastCore's approach lies in the identification of sparse modes of the global network, allowing for minimal consistent reconstructions. It achieves this through iterative computation of these modes via linear programming, optimizing both the speed and compactness of the resulting models.