Intra-cellular signal transduction network
I have represented a coarse-grained model for the intra-cellular signal
transduction networks as a probabilistic graphic model. New algorithms are being
developed for learning the structure and parameters of the model from mRNA
expression profiles of RNAi treated cells. Currently, the targeted subjects are
the signaling networks in Drosophila cells.
This is collaboration with the Perrimon Lab at
Harvard
Medical
School
. We have chosen to focus on protein Kinases and Phosphatases, which are
biochemically related and of great interest as drug targets. The Kinases and
Phosphatases will be systematically knocked out by RNA interference. Time-course
mRNA expressions will be profiled after various extra-cellular stimulations both
in the unperturbed and RNAi-treated cells. The gene expression data will be used
as the primary data for inferring the structure of the Kinases/Phosphatases
network. We have successfully designed a cDNA chip and are carrying out pilot
experiments. This is a synergistic effort that integrates wet-lab and dry-lab to
elucidate signaling networks.