This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison
What are protein interaction networks?
Protein interaction networks represent the biochemical or electrostatic interactions between proteins that allow them to carry out a function [1]. Building protein interaction networks can reveal functions with which a protein is involved. Looking at gene ontology terms associated with proteins within a network allows us to identify the processes within a cell that the protein of interest influences.
MSH6 Interaction Network
Protein interaction network of the human MSH6 gene
Using the String protein-protein interaction database, networks of interactions were constructed for the human MSH6 protein as well as its homologs. Gene ontology terms were then searched for the proteins within the the networks using Panther. Similar proteins were found in the interaction networks of the human MSH6 gene and its homologs. MSH6 was found to interact with proteins involved in many DNA repair processes as well as with RNA splicing proteins.
Conclusions
MSH6 was found to interact with proteins involved in many processes related to DNA repair and RNA splicing. This makes sense given that MSH6 is involved in mismatch repair. However, this also suggests that MSH6 may influence other DNA repair processes aside from mismatch repair. If this is the case, MSH6 mutation could lead to a greater number of types of mutations which would contribute to the development of cancer. The interaction of MSH6 with many RNA splicing proteins suggests that it could have a role in post-transcriptionally modifying gene expression.