This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What are interaction networks?
Protein interaction networks describe specific groups of proteins that come together through either stable or transient interactions. Stable interactions are formed in protein complexes, for example, how 4 globular subunits come together to form hemoglobin. Transient interactions are brief interactions that modify or carry a protein, for example, protein kinases. [1]
Understanding the interaction network surrounding a given protein can highlight the interconnections of biological processes and elucidate potential targets for treatment of associated diseases.
Understanding the interaction network surrounding a given protein can highlight the interconnections of biological processes and elucidate potential targets for treatment of associated diseases.
StAR Interaction Networks
Databases such as String, IntAct, and BioGrid can easily be used to explore and visualize protein-protein interactions. I explored the first- and second- shell interactions of StAR in humans using String to create network image below. From there, I looked into the gene ontologies of the interacting proteins and was able to categorize the interactions into 3 main networks of biological processes: mitochondrial transport, cholesterol transport, and steroidogenesis. These network divisions highlight the results of my Gene Ontology search.
Conclusion
Interaction networks describe the stable and transient interactions between groups of proteins and can help elucidate the biological processes they're involved in. With this information, we can target specific components of an interaction network to potentially treat diseases. Having an understanding of what other proteins interact with StAR can give us an idea of potential targets to treat PCOS.
References
[1] Protein-protein interaction networks. (2016, December 05). Retrieved on Apr. 11, 2019 from https://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/course/network-analysis-protein-interaction-data-introduction/protein-protein-interaction-networks
[1] Protein-protein interaction networks. (2016, December 05). Retrieved on Apr. 11, 2019 from https://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/course/network-analysis-protein-interaction-data-introduction/protein-protein-interaction-networks
Header image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/564849978256111256/?lp=true