"This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison."
introduction
What are Protein interaction networks?
Protein interaction networks can help uncover unknown functions of a protein by studying various related proteins, and how they interact. Proteins that share pathways or have similar domains may act in a similar manner. Also, proteins may work together to regulate or control different processes. Studying protein interactions can help explain how your protein of interest works, and also how or why dysregulation of this protein may be involved in certain diseases.
results
Alpha synuclein protein interaction network in homo sapiens
Human SNCA and the proteins it interacts with play many essential roles in neurotransmitter release and degradation of misfolded or damaged proteins. SNCA itself is important for dopamine release, while proteins such as KLK6 are important for degrading alpha synuclein and other proteins to prevent protein aggregates.
Beta synuclein protein interaction network in Danio rerio
In zebrafish, beta synuclein plays a role in larval locomotor development and dopaminergic neuron differentiation. Interestingly, some of the beta synuclein interacting proteins have been uncharacterized, or have unknown functions. However, some proteins, such as slc1a2b and snap25a have also been identified to aid in larval locomotor development. Furthermore, the NSFA protein is important in brain and neuron development.
discussion
In humans, alpha synuclein plays a clear role in neurotransmitter secretion, and interacts with other proteins also involved in neurotransmitter regulation and protein degradation, important for disease prevention. In zebrafish, beta synuclein is involved in brain and neuron development. Specifically, SNCB regulates locomotor development, which is an important phenotype involved in Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is not clear how SNCA and SNCB interact, and whether they contribute to dopamine regulation. Further directions include investigating the interactions between SNCA and SNCB, and if/how they play a role in dopamine regulation.
References
Cover photo reference:
Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein%E2%80%93protein_interaction#/media/File:1dfj_RNAseInhibitor-RNAse_complex.jpg
Interaction database: STRING. Retrieved from https://string-db.org/cgi/input.pl
Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein%E2%80%93protein_interaction#/media/File:1dfj_RNAseInhibitor-RNAse_complex.jpg
Interaction database: STRING. Retrieved from https://string-db.org/cgi/input.pl