Network modeling to identify new mechanisms and therapeutic targets for Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Biomolecules in subnetworks are the focus of a new strategy to develop drugs that halt complex diseases. In this article, the authors use genome-wide association study and linkage data derived from Parkinson’s disease studies to illustrate how algorithms that use gene and protein interaction databases reveal subnetworks in biological systems that suggest mechanisms for disease progression. Network modeling may help develop testable hypotheses for neurodegenerative diseases and open up new avenues for therapeutic development.

Keywords::

• drug discovery
• genome-wide association study
• network modeling
• neurodegeneration
• Parkinson’s disease

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.