KEGG

Definition

KEGG, or Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, is a comprehensive database that integrates genomic, chemical, and systemic functional information to support the understanding of biological systems. It provides tools for analyzing and interpreting the complex interactions within cellular processes, making it a vital resource in metabolomics and other '-omics' approaches by linking genes to biochemical pathways and diseases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. KEGG contains a vast collection of information on metabolic pathways, including over 18,000 different pathways and related gene information.
2. The database supports various analyses, including pathway mapping, which allows researchers to visualize interactions between different biomolecules.
3. KEGG is not just limited to human biology; it also encompasses information from various organisms, aiding in comparative genomics.
4. Researchers use KEGG for drug discovery by identifying potential targets within metabolic pathways linked to diseases.
5. KEGG provides tools for integrating other '-omics' data (like transcriptomics or proteomics) with metabolic data to get a holistic view of biological systems.

Review Questions

• How does KEGG contribute to the field of metabolomics?
  • KEGG plays a crucial role in metabolomics by providing a comprehensive database of metabolic pathways that researchers can reference when analyzing metabolites. By linking genes to specific biochemical pathways, KEGG helps scientists understand how metabolites are produced and how they interact within cellular processes. This connection enables more precise interpretation of metabolomic data, which is essential for understanding health and disease.
• Discuss the importance of pathway analysis using KEGG in understanding complex biological systems.
  • Pathway analysis using KEGG is vital for unraveling complex biological systems as it allows researchers to visualize the interactions between genes, proteins, and metabolites within specific pathways. This analysis helps identify critical nodes within these networks that may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. By integrating various '-omics' data through KEGG's resources, scientists can achieve a more comprehensive understanding of how different molecular components work together in health and disease.
• Evaluate how KEGG aids in drug discovery processes by leveraging metabolic pathways.
  • KEGG aids in drug discovery by providing detailed information about metabolic pathways that are associated with diseases. Researchers can identify specific targets within these pathways that may be affected by potential drugs. By understanding the biochemical interactions outlined in KEGG, drug developers can design compounds that specifically modulate these pathways to restore normal function or inhibit disease progression. This targeted approach can lead to more effective therapeutics with fewer side effects.

Related terms

Metabolomics: The study of metabolites, small molecules produced during metabolism, to understand cellular processes and their implications for health and disease.

Pathway Analysis:

A method used to analyze biological pathways that involve genes, proteins, and metabolites to understand their roles in various biological processes.

Bioinformatics:

The application of computational tools and techniques to manage, analyze, and interpret biological data, essential for handling large datasets in genomics and metabolomics.