title: Targeting molecular networks for drug research.
abstract: The study of molecular networks has recently moved into the limelight of biomedical research. While it has certainly provided us with plenty of new insights into cellular mechanisms, the challenge now is how to modify or even restructure these networks. This is especially true for human diseases, which can be regarded as manifestations of distorted states of molecular networks. Of the possible interventions for altering networks, the use of drugs is presently the most feasible. In this mini-review, we present and discuss some exemplary approaches of how analysis of molecular interaction networks can contribute to pharmacology (e.g., by identifying new drug targets or prediction of drug side effects), as well as list pointers to relevant resources and software to guide future research. We also outline recent progress in the use of drugs for in vitro reprogramming of cells, which constitutes an example par excellence for altering molecular interaction networks with drugs.
authors.affiliation: SysBioLab, Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, Universidade do Algarve Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: José P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.affiliation: SysBioLab, Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, Universidade do Algarve Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui S R
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: SysBioLab, Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, Universidade do Algarve Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Joana M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Xavier
authors.affiliation: SysBioLab, Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, Universidade do Algarve Faro, Portugal ; Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Matthias E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Futschik
keywords: diseases; drugs; molecular interactions; networks; stem cells