POSTER NO: 233

Analysis of the CDC7 pathway using computationally integrated platform biology

¹Patrick Warren, ²Jamie Grossfield, ²Xiaojun Guan, ¹Junping Jing, ²Jan Kopf, ²Jennifer Maiorano, ²Lottie Peppers, ²Joan Stuart, ²Ray Thomas, ²Robert Hollingsworth
¹GlaxoSmithKline, 709 Swedeland Road King of Prussia 19406, ²GlaxoSmithKline, 5 Moore Drive, RTP, NC 27709

Large-scale DNA sequencing efforts have greatly accelerated the discovery of new genes, and this has translated into the need for rapid, standardized methods for elucidating gene function. To address this need, we have combined the use of DNA sequence analysis, database mining, high-throughput yeast two-hybrid analysis, and high-throughput gene expression profiling. We have developed bioinformatics tools that facilitate each of these approaches and permits synergistic data integration. For example, we have created a graphical viewing tool that facilitates analysis of protein interaction networks and the superimposition of orthology and gene expression data. As a demonstration of our system, we describe the analysis of the Cdc7 protein interaction networks in yeast and humans. This protein is involved in regulating various aspects of eukaryotic DNA metabolism and cell cycle progression. Our results reveal similar orthologous networks in yeast and humans, and coordinated gene expression of components of this network.