Molecular Network Analysis Support for Biological Route Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for constructing molecular networks, such as curation and data mining, face challenges in efficiently selecting routes with biological and medical significance due to the vast number of molecular interactions, leading to complex networks and limited response to new theories, with existing databases and software being insufficient for route selection and pathway construction.
Innovation Solution
A molecular network analysis support method that receives biological phenomenon designations, extracts interactions, calculates relation strengths, and retrieves routes with biological meaning, using a computer-based system that integrates medical reference databases, interaction databases, and pharmacology databases to create and analyze molecular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data mining and text mining are used to construct pathways automatically, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of the molecular network increases making route selection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the molecular network analysis support apparatus) that mediates between the raw data mining results and the final pathway construction. This intermediary performs automated route selection by calculating relation strengths between biological phenomena and molecular interactions, thereby resolving the complexity issue while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of route selection from manual expert judgment to automated calculation based on relation strength parameters. By introducing quantifiable parameters (relation strength values) and automated calculation methods, the system can handle complex molecular networks efficiently without increasing operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If curation method is used with human curators, then measurement precision of biological significance is improved, but loss of time increases due to tremendous workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human curators reading and analyzing literature with an automated computer-based system. The apparatus uses text mining to extract molecular interactions from published literature and automatically calculates relation strengths, substituting human cognitive processes with mechanical information processing while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service pathway construction where the computer automatically performs route selection without human intervention. The apparatus calculates relation strengths and identifies significant routes autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming manual curation process while preserving measurement precision through automated analysis
3Ease of operation
If existing databases are used for pathway construction, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to new theories decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic system where the molecular network and route selections can be continuously updated as new biological theories and data become available. The apparatus calculates relation strengths based on current data and can adapt to new theories by re-evaluating existing pathways or constructing new ones, combining ease of operation with high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis by pre-calculating relation strengths between molecular interactions and biological phenomena. This preliminary action creates a flexible foundation that can quickly adapt to new theories by reusing existing calculations and updating only the necessary portions, maintaining both ease of operation and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A molecular network analysis support method includes receiving designation of a biological phenomenon, extracting an interaction from a molecular network, and calculating a relation strength between the designated biological phenomenon and the extracted interaction.