Molecular and structural basis for the organization of protein networks

Yanay Ofran
Columbia University

Network hubs have been shown to play a key role in the dynamics and control of biological processes. Based on systems considerations, such as network architecture and gene co-expression, it has been suggested that there are different types of hubs. E.g., some hubs orchestrate the activity of a single functional module, while others coordinate the activity of different modules. In this study we show that by using an array of computational tools for the analysis of protein structure, protein function and protein protein interaction it is possible to predict the network role of a hub from its amino acid sequence. Using these analytical tools we also reconstruct disease related modules, in search of novel potential drug targets.