KEGG

Definition

KEGG, or the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, is a comprehensive database resource that integrates genomic, chemical, and systemic functional information. It plays a crucial role in understanding biological functions and systems by providing a framework for analyzing gene functions and metabolic pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. KEGG includes various modules such as KEGG PATHWAY for metabolic and signaling pathways, KEGG GENES for gene catalogs, and KEGG DRUG for drug information.
2. The database allows researchers to visualize complex interactions within biological pathways, which helps in systems biology and computational analysis.
3. KEGG integrates data from multiple sources, making it a valuable tool for studying gene functions and the relationships between genes, proteins, and small molecules.
4. It supports differential gene expression analysis by linking expressed genes to specific pathways, facilitating the identification of biologically relevant changes.
5. KEGG's pathway maps are widely used for visualizing interactions in network analysis, helping to understand the dynamics of cellular processes.

Review Questions

• How does KEGG facilitate the analysis of biological pathways and what is its importance in systems biology?
  • KEGG facilitates the analysis of biological pathways by providing detailed maps that illustrate the interactions between genes, proteins, and metabolites. These pathway maps are essential for systems biology as they help researchers understand how individual components work together to influence cellular functions and biological processes. By integrating various data types, KEGG enables the identification of critical nodes within these networks that can be targeted for further research or therapeutic intervention.
• In what ways does KEGG contribute to differential gene expression analysis in research studies?
  • KEGG contributes to differential gene expression analysis by providing a framework that links differentially expressed genes to specific metabolic and signaling pathways. This connection allows researchers to interpret the biological significance of observed expression changes in the context of larger networks. By mapping these genes onto KEGG pathway maps, scientists can identify key pathways affected by experimental conditions and gain insights into the underlying mechanisms driving those changes.
• Evaluate the role of KEGG in the integration of genomic data with chemical information and its impact on drug discovery.
  • KEGG plays a vital role in integrating genomic data with chemical information through its comprehensive databases that include metabolic pathways and drug-target interactions. This integration significantly impacts drug discovery by enabling researchers to identify potential drug targets within specific pathways associated with diseases. By analyzing how drugs interact with these targets in the context of KEGG pathways, scientists can develop more effective therapeutic strategies and better understand the pharmacological effects of compounds on biological systems.

Related terms

Pathway Mapping: The process of visualizing biological pathways to understand how different genes and molecules interact within a biological system.

Gene Ontology:

A standardized vocabulary that describes gene functions across different species, facilitating better understanding and comparison of gene roles.

Metabolomics: The study of small molecules called metabolites in biological samples, which provides insights into metabolic changes in organisms.