Computational analysis of molecular networks using spectral graph theory, complexity measures and information theory

Abstract

Molecular networks are described in terms of directed multigraphs, so-called network motifs. Spectral graph theory, reciprocal link and complexity measures were utilized to quantify network motifs. It was found that graph energy, reciprocal link and cyclomatic complexity can optimally specify network motifs with some degree of degeneracy. Biological networks are built up from a finite number of motif patterns; hence, a graph energy cutoff exists and the Shannon entropy of the motif frequency distribution is not maximal. Also, frequently found motifs are irreducible graphs. Network similarity was quantified by gauging their motif frequency distribution functions using Jensen-Shannon entropy. This method allows us to determine the distance between two networks regardless of their nodes identities and network sizes. This study provides a systematic approach to dissect the complex nature of biological networks. Our novel method different from any other approach. The findings support the view that there are organizational principles underlying molecular networks.