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Detecting Hierarchical Modularity in Biological Networks

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Part of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series (MIMB, volume 541)

Abstract

Spatially or chemically isolated modules that carry out discrete functions are considered fundamental building blocks of cellular organization. However, detecting them in highly integrated biological networks requires a thorough understanding of the organization of these networks. In this chapter I argue that many biological networks are organized into many small, highly connected topologic modules that combine in a hierarchical manner into larger, less cohesive units. On top of a scale-free degree distribution, these networks show a power law scaling of the clustering coefficient with the node degree, a property that can be used as a signature of hierarchical organization. As a case study, I identify the hierarchical modules within the Escherichia coli metabolic network, and show that the uncovered hierarchical modularity closely overlaps with known metabolic functions.

Key words

Networks modularity hierarchical organization clustering coefficient metabolism 
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© Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUSA

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