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Complex Networks, Bio-Molecular Systems, and Machine Learning 2.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Informatics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2024) | Viewed by 5871

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Organic Chemistry II, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain
Interests: complex networks; bio-molecular systems; machine learning; cheminformatics; bioinformatics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Both, artificial intelligence and/or machine learning (AI/ML) and complex networks algorithms are important tools in the computational study of molecular systems. Some of these methods are artificial neural networks (ANNs), deep learning networks, support vector machines (SVMs), random forests (RFs), genetic algorithms (GAs), deep neural networks (DNNs), deep belief networks (DBNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), etc. We can use structural parameters, molecular descriptors, experimental conditions, chemometrics measurements, etc., as inputs to train these AI/ML algorithms. As a result, we can obtain predictive models for drug discovery, vaccine design, nanotechnology, etc.

On the other hand, complex networks are particularly useful in the study of complex bio-molecular systems. We can use complex networks to represent complex structural–function patterns in complex molecular bio-systems. This includes, but is not limited to, the structures of chemical compounds, synthetic chemical reaction routes, proteins, polymers, viral structures, RNA secondary structures, etc. This method is highly flexible; therefore, we can also represent larger bio-systems such as metabolic pathways, protein interaction networks (PINs), gene regulatory networks, brain cortexes, ecosystems, the internet, markets, social networks, etc. Within this approach, parts of a system (atoms, amino acids, monomers, proteins, reactions, neurons, organisms, etc.) are commonly represented as nodes, and the structure–function relationships among them (chemical bonds, hydrogen bonds, reactions, activation, co-expression, etc.) are represented as edges or links. This paves the way for the study of complex bio-molecular systems with graphs and the complex network theory. As a consequence, we can calculate multiple graph invariants (numeric parameters), which are useful to quantify the complex structure of these systems. This includes software/algorithms for the representation and study of distributions, emergent properties, transport phenomena, multiplex networks, dynamic systems properties, etc. In addition, although not mandatory, we can also train AI/ML algorithms using the numerical parameters of complex networks and bio-molecular systems as input in order to predict structure–function relationships and, as a consequence, the properties of these systems.

This framework opens the door to the development of new methods, algorithms, databases, and software for the study of complex bio-molecular systems using AI/ML and/or complex network algorithms. Consequently, the title of this issue is: “Complex Networks, Bio-Molecular Systems, and Machine Learning.” Authors are welcome to submit papers that utilize AI/ML algorithms alone, and we also welcome papers that utilize complex network algorithms alone. Overall, we especially welcome papers that combine both AI/ML and complex networks.

Prof. Dr. Humberto González-Díaz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • complex networks
  • bio-molecular systems
  • protein interaction networks (PINs)
  • metabolic pathway networks
  • brain networks
  • social, financial, and legal networks
  • machine learning
  • bioinformatics
  • cheminformatics and drug discovery
  • graph theory
  • artificial neural networks
  • support vector machines
  • deep learning

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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48 pages, 5859 KiB  
Article
Network Models of BACE-1 Inhibitors: Exploring Structural and Biochemical Relationships
by Ömer Akgüller, Mehmet Ali Balcı and Gabriela Cioca
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136890 - 23 Jun 2024
Viewed by 372
Abstract
This study investigates the clustering patterns of human β-secretase 1 (BACE-1) inhibitors using complex network methodologies based on various distance functions, including Euclidean, Tanimoto, Hamming, and Levenshtein distances. Molecular descriptor vectors such as molecular mass, Merck Molecular Force Field (MMFF) energy, Crippen [...] Read more.
This study investigates the clustering patterns of human β-secretase 1 (BACE-1) inhibitors using complex network methodologies based on various distance functions, including Euclidean, Tanimoto, Hamming, and Levenshtein distances. Molecular descriptor vectors such as molecular mass, Merck Molecular Force Field (MMFF) energy, Crippen partition coefficient (ClogP), Crippen molar refractivity (MR), eccentricity, Kappa indices, Synthetic Accessibility Score, Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA), and 2D/3D autocorrelation entropies are employed to capture the diverse properties of these inhibitors. The Euclidean distance network demonstrates the most reliable clustering results, with strong agreement metrics and minimal information loss, indicating its robustness in capturing essential structural and physicochemical properties. Tanimoto and Hamming distance networks yield valuable clustering outcomes, albeit with moderate performance, while the Levenshtein distance network shows significant discrepancies. The analysis of eigenvector centrality across different networks identifies key inhibitors acting as hubs, which are likely critical in biochemical pathways. Community detection results highlight distinct clustering patterns, with well-defined communities providing insights into the functional and structural groupings of BACE-1 inhibitors. The study also conducts non-parametric tests, revealing significant differences in molecular descriptors, validating the clustering methodology. Despite its limitations, including reliance on specific descriptors and computational complexity, this study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding molecular interactions and guiding therapeutic interventions. Future research could integrate additional descriptors, advanced machine learning techniques, and dynamic network analysis to enhance clustering accuracy and applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Networks, Bio-Molecular Systems, and Machine Learning 2.0)
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19 pages, 4935 KiB  
Article
A Causal Regulation Modeling Algorithm for Temporal Events with Application to Escherichia coli’s Aerobic to Anaerobic Transition
by Yigang Chen, Runbo Mao, Jiatong Xu, Yixian Huang, Jingyi Xu, Shidong Cui, Zihao Zhu, Xiang Ji, Shenghan Huang, Yanzhe Huang, Hsi-Yuan Huang, Shih-Chung Yen, Yang-Chi-Duang Lin and Hsien-Da Huang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115654 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 586
Abstract
Time-series experiments are crucial for understanding the transient and dynamic nature of biological phenomena. These experiments, leveraging advanced classification and clustering algorithms, allow for a deep dive into the cellular processes. However, while these approaches effectively identify patterns and trends within data, they [...] Read more.
Time-series experiments are crucial for understanding the transient and dynamic nature of biological phenomena. These experiments, leveraging advanced classification and clustering algorithms, allow for a deep dive into the cellular processes. However, while these approaches effectively identify patterns and trends within data, they often need to improve in elucidating the causal mechanisms behind these changes. Building on this foundation, our study introduces a novel algorithm for temporal causal signaling modeling, integrating established knowledge networks with sequential gene expression data to elucidate signal transduction pathways over time. Focusing on Escherichia coli’s (E. coli) aerobic to anaerobic transition (AAT), this research marks a significant leap in understanding the organism’s metabolic shifts. By applying our algorithm to a comprehensive E. coli regulatory network and a time-series microarray dataset, we constructed the cross-time point core signaling and regulatory processes of E. coli’s AAT. Through gene expression analysis, we validated the primary regulatory interactions governing this process. We identified a novel regulatory scheme wherein environmentally responsive genes, soxR and oxyR, activate fur, modulating the nitrogen metabolism regulators fnr and nac. This regulatory cascade controls the stress regulators ompR and lrhA, ultimately affecting the cell motility gene flhD, unveiling a novel regulatory axis that elucidates the complex regulatory dynamics during the AAT process. Our approach, merging empirical data with prior knowledge, represents a significant advance in modeling cellular signaling processes, offering a deeper understanding of microbial physiology and its applications in biotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Networks, Bio-Molecular Systems, and Machine Learning 2.0)
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16 pages, 1584 KiB  
Article
A New Hybrid Neural Network Deep Learning Method for Protein–Ligand Binding Affinity Prediction and De Novo Drug Design
by Sarita Limbu and Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 13912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213912 - 11 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2415
Abstract
Accurately predicting ligand binding affinity in a virtual screening campaign is still challenging. Here, we developed hybrid neural network (HNN) machine deep learning methods, HNN-denovo and HNN-affinity, by combining the 3D-CNN (convolutional neural network) and the FFNN (fast forward neural network) hybrid neural [...] Read more.
Accurately predicting ligand binding affinity in a virtual screening campaign is still challenging. Here, we developed hybrid neural network (HNN) machine deep learning methods, HNN-denovo and HNN-affinity, by combining the 3D-CNN (convolutional neural network) and the FFNN (fast forward neural network) hybrid neural network framework. The HNN-denovo uses protein pocket structure and protein–ligand interactions as input features. The HNN-affinity uses protein sequences and ligand features as input features. The HNN method combines the CNN and FCNN machine architecture for the protein structure or protein sequence and ligand descriptors. To train the model, the HNN methods used thousands of known protein–ligand binding affinity data retrieved from the PDBBind database. We also developed the Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), Decision Tree with AdaBoost (DT), and a consensus model. We compared the HNN results with models developed based on the RF, GB, and DT methods. We also independently compared the HNN method results with the literature reported deep learning protein–ligand binding affinity predictions made by the DLSCORE, KDEEP, and DeepAtom. The predictive performance of the HNN methods (max Pearson’s R achieved was 0.86) was consistently better than or comparable to the DLSCORE, KDEEP, and DeepAtom deep learning learning methods for both balanced and unbalanced data sets. The HNN-affinity can be applied for the protein–ligand affinity prediction even in the absence of protein structure information, as it considers the protein sequence as standalone feature in addition to the ligand descriptors. The HNN-denovo method can be efficiently implemented to the structure-based de novo drug design campaign. The HNN-affinity method can be used in conjunction with the deep learning molecular docking protocols as a standalone. Further, it can be combined with the conventional molecular docking methods as a multistep approach to rapidly screen billions of diverse compounds. The HNN method are highly scalable in the cloud ML platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Networks, Bio-Molecular Systems, and Machine Learning 2.0)
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Review

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32 pages, 3803 KiB  
Review
Perineuronal Net Microscopy: From Brain Pathology to Artificial Intelligence
by Mikhail Paveliev, Anton A. Egorchev, Foat Musin, Nikita Lipachev, Anastasiia Melnikova, Rustem M. Gimadutdinov, Aidar R. Kashipov, Dmitry Molotkov, Dmitry E. Chickrin and Albert V. Aganov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084227 - 11 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1369
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNN) are a special highly structured type of extracellular matrix encapsulating synapses on large populations of CNS neurons. PNN undergo structural changes in schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, post-traumatic conditions, and some other brain disorders. The functional role of the PNN [...] Read more.
Perineuronal nets (PNN) are a special highly structured type of extracellular matrix encapsulating synapses on large populations of CNS neurons. PNN undergo structural changes in schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, post-traumatic conditions, and some other brain disorders. The functional role of the PNN microstructure in brain pathologies has remained largely unstudied until recently. Here, we review recent research implicating PNN microstructural changes in schizophrenia and other disorders. We further concentrate on high-resolution studies of the PNN mesh units surrounding synaptic boutons to elucidate fine structural details behind the mutual functional regulation between the ECM and the synaptic terminal. We also review some updates regarding PNN as a potential pharmacological target. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods are now arriving as a new tool that may have the potential to grasp the brain’s complexity through a wide range of organization levels—from synaptic molecular events to large scale tissue rearrangements and the whole-brain connectome function. This scope matches exactly the complex role of PNN in brain physiology and pathology processes, and the first AI-assisted PNN microscopy studies have been reported. To that end, we report here on a machine learning-assisted tool for PNN mesh contour tracing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Networks, Bio-Molecular Systems, and Machine Learning 2.0)
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