HDNetDB: A Molecular Interaction Database for Network-Oriented Investigations into Huntington's Disease.

Area of Science:

• Neurodegenerative disease research
• Genetics and molecular biology
• Bioinformatics and systems biology

Background:

• Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene.
• Despite being monogenic, HD pathogenesis is complex, involving multiple cellular processes and pathways.
• High-throughput data generation presents challenges in integrating and interpreting complex molecular information for HD research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a network-oriented database (HDNetDB) for Huntington's disease research.
• To integrate diverse HD-relevant datasets, including molecular interactions and gene expression data.
• To facilitate the visualization and analysis of molecular interaction networks for deciphering HD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Development of HDNetDB, a comprehensive database integrating molecular interactions with HD-specific datasets.
• Utilizing network-based approaches to consolidate high-throughput data with existing knowledge.
• Case study application to illustrate HDNetDB functionalities and identify cross-talk with the unfolded protein response (UPR).

Main Results:

• HDNetDB integrates molecular interactions with various HD-relevant datasets from human samples and model organisms.
• The database enables users to obtain, visualize, and prioritize molecular interaction networks.
• A case study identified potential cross-talk between Huntington's disease and the unfolded protein response (UPR).

Conclusions:

• HDNetDB provides a valuable resource for network-oriented research into Huntington's disease.
• The database aids in consolidating complex data and understanding the interwoven molecular mechanisms of HD.
• HDNetDB facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets by revealing connections between HD and other cellular processes like UPR.