Protein-Protein Interaction Network Analysis Using NetworkX

Abstract

In recent years, extracting information from biological data has become a particularly valuable way of gaining knowledge. Molecular interaction networks provide a framework for visualizing cellular processes, but their complexity frequently makes their interpretation difficult. Proteins are one of the primary determinants of biological function. Indeed, most biological activities in the living cells are functionally regulated by protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Thus, studying protein interactions is critical for understanding their roles within the cell. Exploring the PPI networks can open new avenues for future experimental studies and offer interspecies predictions for effective interaction mapping. In this chapter we will demonstrate how to construct, visualize, and analyze a protein-protein interaction network using NetworkX.

Keywords: Centrality; NetworkX; Protein–protein interaction; Regulatory networks; Systems biology.