Identification of Key Proteins Involved in Axon Guidance Related Disorders: A Systems Biology Approach

TL;DR

This study uses systems biology tools to identify key genes and proteins involved in axon guidance disorders, revealing significant modules, pathways, and hub proteins that may elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms.

Contribution

It is the first comprehensive systems biology analysis to identify key proteins and pathways in axon guidance disorders DRS, HGPPS, and CFEOM3.

Findings

Identified 7 significant modules in the PPI network.

Found 5 pathways significantly associated with the disorders.

Hub proteins DRD2, UBC, and CUL3 identified.

Abstract

Axon guidance is a crucial process for growth of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In this study, 3 axon guidance related disorders, namely- Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS) , Horizontal Gaze Palsy with Progressive Scoliosis (HGPPS) and Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles type 3 (CFEOM3) were studied using various Systems Biology tools to identify the genes and proteins involved with them to get a better idea about the underlying molecular mechanisms including the regulatory mechanisms. Based on the analyses carried out, 7 significant modules have been identified from the PPI network. Five pathways/processes have been found to be significantly associated with DRS, HGPPS and CFEOM3 associated genes. From the PPI network, 3 have been identified as hub proteins- DRD2, UBC and CUL3.