proteiinivõrkude

Proteiinivõrkude, also known as protein-protein interaction networks or PPI networks, represent the complex web of physical contacts that occur between proteins within a cell. These interactions are fundamental to nearly all biological processes, including cellular signaling, metabolism, DNA replication, and immune responses. A protein-protein interaction network is typically visualized as a graph where nodes represent individual proteins and edges represent the physical interactions between them. The strength and nature of these interactions can vary, ranging from transient binding events to stable complex formations.

Understanding protein-protein interactions is crucial for deciphering cellular function and disease mechanisms. By studying these networks, researchers can identify key proteins involved in specific pathways, discover novel drug targets, and gain insights into how cellular processes are disrupted in diseases like cancer or neurodegenerative disorders. Computational methods and experimental techniques such as yeast two-hybrid assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry are employed to identify and map these interactions.

The study of proteiinivõrkude has revealed that proteins rarely function in isolation; instead, they operate within intricate molecular machines and pathways. The topology of these networks, including the presence of highly connected "hub" proteins and tightly clustered modules, provides further clues about their functional organization. Analyzing these network properties can help predict protein functions, identify functionally related proteins, and understand the robustness and fragility of biological systems.