Interaction NetworkWhat are Interaction Networks?Protein interaction networks are visual representations of the protein-protein interactions of a particular protein or group of proteins. These networks provide a means of further understanding the processes and functions of both individual proteins and protein complexes. The STRING database (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins) [1] provides a vast resource for known and predicted protein-protein interactions and was utilized exclusively to determine the protein-protein interactions of FANCL. The STRING database includes direct and indirect protein associates derived from genomic context, high-throughput experiments, coexpression experiments, and previously published knowledge [1].
The Homo sapiens Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group L has a protein interaction network that encompasses all three complexes within the Fanconi Anemia pathway; the core complex, the ID complex, and the DNA repair complex. The strongest of its interactions are within the core complex and the ID complex because it is consistently interacting with the proteins within each of the two complexes. Also of note are FANCL's interactions with Ube2t and Ubiquitin C, two members of the Ubiquitin pathway, which are vital to the signalling between the core complex and the ID complex to activate signalling for the DNA repair complex.
Analysis of ResultsThe results obtained from the query of FANCL in the STRING database are relatively consistent with the previously known Fanconi Anemia pathway interactions [2]. An interesting aspect of the interaction network obtained from the search is the lack of some of the DNA repair complex proteins, which either returned as their other names, such as BRCA2, or did not show up in this interaction network. Due to the capabilities of the STRING program, it would be expected that expanding on the interaction network for FANCL would yield all of the Fanconi Anemia Complementation Groups; however, this interaction network was limited in scope to detail the closest interacting partners of FANCL.
References[1] STRING database
[2] Charlotte Hodson and Helen Walden, “Towards a Molecular Understanding of the Fanconi Anemia Core Complex,” Anemia, vol. 2012, Article ID 926787, 10 pages, 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/926787 |