A protein interaction network is the connection of proteins to one another based on their individual known function in relation to one another. These interactions shape the way that cellular processes take place. By understanding which proteins interact with one another, you get a better picture of protein function, either by discovering novel protein functions or further understanding conserved molecular pathways [1].
An example of protein network produced by STRING
One tool to find protein-protein interactions and find interaction networks of specific proteins is through the use of the database, STRING. STRING, or Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins, summarizes a network of predicted associations for a given protein based on a variety of evidence from literature [2].
Results
Interaction network from STRING of FOXN1
Discussion
The protein interaction network for FOXN1 showed interactions between FOXN1 and a variety of proteins with variable functions. In order to differentiate between these genes, we used tools provided by STRING to highlight proteins involved in the T cell differentiation, epithelium development, and negative regulation of movement. Epithelium development and negative regulation of movement both may reveal protein involved in re-epithelialization in wound healing, and the highlighting of genes related to T cell differentiation helps to filter out those that would more likely be involved in development of the thymus. As both DLL4 and WNT3 are involved in both epithelium development and cell movement, pathways involving them and FOXN1 may elucidate more information about wound healing pathways.
Sources
1. Safari-Alighiarloo, N., Taghizadeh, M., Rezaei-Tavirani, M., Goliaei, B., & Peyvandi, A. A. (2014). Protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) and complex diseases. Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench, 7(1), 17–31. 2. Help - string functional protein association networks. (n.d.). https://string-db.org/cgi/help?sessionId=bIV4AqWqVEW9
IMAGES: Biorender
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, a capstone course at UW-Madison.