KEGG

Definition

KEGG, or Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, is a comprehensive database that integrates genomic, chemical, and systemic functional information to better understand biological functions and processes. It provides tools for functional annotation, pathway mapping, and systems biology research, making it a vital resource for analyzing metabolic networks and network topology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. KEGG includes various databases such as KEGG PATHWAY, KEGG GENES, KEGG DRUG, and KEGG COMPOUND that provide detailed information on pathways, genes, drugs, and metabolites.
2. Functional annotation using KEGG helps researchers classify genes based on their biochemical functions within specific pathways.
3. The KEGG database allows users to visualize complex metabolic pathways and interactions through pathway maps.
4. Researchers in genomics and proteomics frequently use KEGG for comparative analysis of gene expression data across different organisms.
5. KEGG plays a crucial role in systems biology by integrating various omics data to model and analyze biological networks.

Review Questions

• How does KEGG contribute to functional annotation in genomics?
  • KEGG supports functional annotation by providing a structured way to classify genes based on their roles in biological pathways. Researchers can use the KEGG database to map their gene sequences to known pathways, allowing for the identification of gene functions related to specific metabolic processes. This integration of genomic data with pathway information enhances the understanding of gene roles in health and disease.
• Discuss the applications of KEGG in the field of proteomics and how it aids in understanding protein interactions.
  • In proteomics, KEGG is utilized to analyze protein interactions within metabolic pathways. By linking proteins to specific pathways, researchers can assess how different proteins collaborate within cellular processes. This insight is essential for understanding complex biological systems and can inform drug discovery efforts by identifying potential targets for therapeutic intervention based on protein interactions.
• Evaluate the importance of KEGG in metabolic network analysis and how it influences research in systems biology.
  • KEGG is integral to metabolic network analysis as it provides a comprehensive resource for mapping metabolic pathways and understanding their interactions. By using KEGG data, researchers can model cellular metabolism more effectively and simulate changes in metabolic networks under different conditions. This capability influences research in systems biology by enabling scientists to integrate multi-omics data, allowing for a holistic view of biological systems and leading to advancements in personalized medicine and biotechnology.

Related terms

Pathway Analysis: The process of studying biological pathways to understand the interactions and functions of genes and proteins within a network.

Gene Ontology:

A framework for the model of biology that provides a set of standardized terms to describe gene functions across species.

Metabolomics: The study of small molecule metabolites within cells, biofluids, tissues, or organisms, often used to understand metabolic changes.