This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is a protein interaction network?
A protein interaction network is a map connecting proteins that interact with each other a biochemical event. The lines that connect proteins indicate that they interact in some way. Databases such as String, IntAct, and BioGrid are useful tools for exploring protein-protein interactions for a protein of interest and constructing an interaction network.
The PINK1 Interaction Network
The String interaction networks for all three homologs are very similar.
Human PINK1 interaction network zoomed out to include more
tangential protein interactions
tangential protein interactions
Discussion
Using String Database, I sorted proteins into several different groups with that shared similar functions. There were not any interactions that were very surprising. The proteins highlighted in red are involved in apoptosis, or regulation of cell death. The proteins highlighted in blue are involved in regulation of mitochondrial fissure. The proteins highlighted in green all interact selectively with a kinase. I am interested in examining how PINK1's interaction network may change with mutations in PINK1.