Researches at the University of Illinois have identified and visualised signalling pathways that set up the genetic code using network analysis algorithms in combination with molecular dynamics simulations. This new visualisation software helps to examine and compare how signals are transmitted during important genetic interactions.
RIGHT: Image of the programs protein-tRNA complex. Optimal pathways (green) are shown between the anticodon and the distant catalytic site (coloured spheres). The aminoacyl-tRNA (blue) and tRNA (brown) are also shown.
These algorithms, which were originally developed by computer programmers to study communication patterns in the World Wide Web (among other things), were modified to simulate optimal communication pathways. The software helps explain protein-tRNA complexes (which until now were unknown to scientists) and how the signals are transmitted from the anticodon on the tRNA (during translation) to the aminoacyl-tRNA synthase. This network of interactions is mapped by representing each amino acid and nucleotide in the protein-RNA complex as a node. The network consisted of nodes with connecting edges that were “weighted” with correlating values derived from molecular dynamics simulations. The program mapped the shortest, most correlated path the signal could take as well as other similarly correlated but longer paths. The implications of visualising the pathways can give rise to further understanding the redundancy of the pathways and the effects mutations can have concerning communication of the genetic code.
For more information and the entire article visit http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090414141251.htm
From science daily 21st April 2009
View 22nd April 2009
Tim Williamson 41716872
