title: Spatiotemporal positioning of multipotent modules in diverse biological networks.
abstract: A biological network exhibits a modular organization. The modular structure dependent on functional module is of great significance in understanding the organization and dynamics of network functions. A huge variety of module identification methods as well as approaches to analyze modularity and dynamics of the inter- and intra-module interactions have emerged recently, but they are facing unexpected challenges in further practical applications. Here, we discuss recent progress in understanding how such a modular network can be deconstructed spatiotemporally. We focus particularly on elucidating how various deciphering mechanisms operate to ensure precise module identification and assembly. In this case, a system-level understanding of the entire mechanism of module construction is within reach, with important implications for reasonable perspectives in both constructing a modular analysis framework and deconstructing different modular hierarchical structures.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Dongzhimen, Beijing, 100700, China.
authors.forename: Yinying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yongyan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D008954:Models, Biological; D049490:Systems Biology / Q000379:methods