A multilayer PPI network analysis of different life stages in C. elegans

TL;DR

This study constructs and analyzes multilayer PPI networks across different life stages of C. elegans to uncover developmental changes and the varying complexity of cellular interactions during development.

Contribution

It introduces a multilayer PPI network framework to study developmental biology, revealing stage-specific network properties and differences in cellular complexity.

Findings

Similar overall network statistics across PPI layers

Distinct spectral properties indicating varying complexity

Unique network features in Nematode life stage

Abstract

Molecular networks act as the backbone of cellular activities, providing an {excellent} opportunity to understand the developmental changes in an organism. While network data usually constitute only stationary network graphs, constructing multilayer PPI network may provide clues to the particular developmental role at each {stage of life} and may unravel the importance of these developmental changes. The developmental biology model of {Caenorhabditis elegans} {analyzed} here provides a ripe platform to understand the patterns of evolution during life stages of an organism. In the present study, the widely studied network properties exhibit overall similar statistics for all the PPI layers. Further, the analysis of the degree-degree correlation and spectral properties not only reveals crucial differences in each PPI layer but also indicates the presence of the varying complexity among them. The PPI layer of Nematode life stage exhibits various network properties different to rest of the PPI layers, indicating the specific role of cellular diversity and developmental transitions at this stage. The framework presented here provides a direction to explore and understand developmental changes occurring in different life stages of an organism.