Controllability of human cancer signaling network

Abstract

Biological processes embody molecular regulatory mechanisms equivalent to the notion of signaling used in engineering. Using signaling as a paradigm, we constructed human cancer signaling network embodying empirically reported molecular mechanisms underlying cancer. We further identified driver nodes and classified them based on their role in structural controllability of this network. We hypothesize that nodes that are critical for achieving centralized control are therapeutically important. We observed that anti-cancer drugs primarily act through such genes that serve as their targets. Despite significant differences between networked systems in engineering, for which structural controllability has been traditionally designed, we present a study that reveals its utility for analysis of disease networks with therapeutic implications.