In silico method for identification of novel copper and iron metabolism proteins in various neurodegenerative...

Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) has been the subject of intensive research over several decades as numerous seminal studies robustly support the involvement of Cu and Fe metabolism dyshomeostasis as a common denominator in several neurodegenerative disorders (particularly Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease); however, till date, the exact "cause-effect" association has not been elucidated. Thus, there is urgent need to look for newer association/pathways of these redox active elements in different neuropathological conditions. Therefore, in this study, we have used bioinformatics based approach to identify novel Cu and Fe metabolism proteins in neurodegenerative disorders using Cytoscape software. The network biology data demonstrated the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC/osteonectin) protein with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disease, whereas Coagulation factor V may have a role in Brunner Syndrome, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Febrile seizures and Schizophrenia diseases. Further analysis revealed Coagulation factor VII possible role in L1 Syndrome and Congenital hydrocephalus disorders. In conclusion, the present study shows the first evidence in silico that SPARC/osteonectin, Coagulation factor V and VII proteins may have plausible role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases.