Multiple hub proteins

Multiple hub proteins refers to a class of proteins characterized by a high number of interactions within a biological protein-protein interaction (PPI) network (Barabási & Oltvai, 2004, Nature Reviews Genetics). These proteins are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and functional coordination of cellular systems, often serving as central regulators of signal transduction, gene expression, and metabolism (He & Zhang, 2006, PLoS Genetics). In the context of disease, hub proteins are frequently identified as critical nodes whose disruption is linked to the progression of cancer, neurodegeneration, and viral infections (Goh et al., 2007, PNAS). While they represent theoretically potent therapeutic targets due to their central role in disease-related networks, targeting them is often limited by high toxicity and pleiotropic effects, as their inhibition can disrupt numerous essential physiological pathways (Zhu et al., 2007, Trends in Biochemical Sciences). Consequently, the term is primarily used in systems biology and network pharmacology to describe a set of highly connected proteins rather than a single, specific drug target.

Other names

Hub proteinsNetwork hubsHighly connected proteinsIntramodular hubsIntermodular hubsBottleneck proteins

Not applicable; this term refers to a network biology classification rather than a specific therapeutic target.