A Novel Method to Detect Functional Subgraphs in Biomolecular Networks

Several biomolecular pathways governing the control of cellular processes have been discovered over the last several years. Additionally, advances resulting from combining these pathways into networks have produced new insights into the complex behaviors observed in cell function assays. Unfortunately, identification of important subnetworks, or “motifs”, in these networks has been slower in development. This study focused on identifying important network motifs and their rate of occurrence in two different biomolecular networks. The two networks evaluated for this study represented both ends of the spectrum of interaction knowledge by comparing a well defined network (apoptosis) with and poorly studied network that was early in development (autism). This study identified several motifs that could be important in governing and controlling cellular processes in healthy and diseased cells. Additionally, this study revealed an inverse relationship when comparing the occurrence rate of these motifs in apoptosis and autism.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Integrative Life Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Thomas, Sterling

Contributors dc:contributor

• Danail Bonchev

• Biological Networks
• Bioinformatics
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/154

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1153