This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is a Protein Interaction Network? [1] A protein interaction network illustrates the bigger picture of how certain protein complexes interact with other proteins in the context of an organism. Protein-Protein interactions deduce both direct and indirect associations that help show the role that the protein of interest has within the biological system. STRING is one site that compiles information such as genomic context predictions, high-throughput lab experiments, conserved co-expression, automated textmining, and previous knowledge in databases to compose networks that show different protein associations. These interactions can be sorted by GO terminology, homology, and experimental data which in some cases elucidate new biological pathways for researchers to explore. |
KIF5A Interaction Network: Initially when KIF5A protein interaction network was compiled on the STRING data base, only the primary protein associations were included (top left). Each connection or string was associated to an active interaction source such as experimental data or automated textmining. Upon further analysis the network was expanded and filtered (experimental data) to show additional indirect interactions (bottom left). A advanced search was then performed to observe whether HOX10 (VSX2), a posterior body organization protein, was associated with KIF5A since this protein tends to localize in the lower extremities. Intrestingly enough, one experimental connection was found that shows a relationship between both proteins indicating the possibility of additional research. Below was the final PPI network, where each group of proteins was highlighted for their purpose within the cell. Comparing the associations with KIF5A and the GO terms of the protein itself, the interactions found with the protein seem to be logical. |
Conclusion
According to STRING, KIF5A interacts with other Kinesin proteins, cell division and tubulin proteins, transcription factors, and body organization proteins. The associations with cell division proteins and Kinesin proteins makes sense since KIF5A functions as transport protein, carrying different organelles and cargo throughout the cell. The relationship of KIF5A with transcription factors and body organization proteins, namely VSX2, is very interesting because it could explain the localization of the protein to the lower extremities.
References
[1] (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2018, from https://www.nature.com/subjects/protein-protein-interaction-networks
[1] (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2018, from https://www.nature.com/subjects/protein-protein-interaction-networks