• Familiarize participants with the concept and importance of compound-target interaction networks in modern bioscience research.
• Provide hands-on training with leading bioinformatics tools for constructing and analyzing interaction networks.
• Develop the ability to interpret complex biological interaction data for research and clinical applications.
• Discuss the integration of computational approaches in drug development and personalized medicine.

Day 1: Fundamentals and Target Data Retrieval
Introduction to Compound-Target Interaction Networks

• Overview and significance in drug discovery and system biology
• Briefing on workshop agenda and outcomes

Target Data Retrieval

• Exploring compound-target interaction databases (e.g., PubChem, DrugBank)
• Techniques for efficient data filtering and organization

Hands-On Session

• Practical walkthrough on retrieving and processing target data using online databases

Day 2: Network Construction and Analysis
Building Compound-Target Networks

• Introduction to tools like Cytoscape and STRING
• Data integration and visualization techniques

Network Analysis Using CytoNCA

• Key metrics: degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and clustering coefficient
• Identifying critical nodes and hub targets

Hands-On Session

• Practical exercises on constructing and analyzing networks
• Interpretation of network properties and biological relevance

Day 3: Functional Enrichment and Network Visualization
Pathway and Gene Ontology Analysis

• Introduction to Gene Ontology (GO) terms and pathway analysis concepts
• Importance of functional enrichment in drug discovery

Functional Enrichment with ClueGO

• Setting up and using the ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape
• Analysis and interpretation of enriched GO terms and pathways

Advanced Visualization Techniques

• Enhancing network aesthetics and information clarity
• Integrating functional enrichment results with networks

Hands-On Session

• Practical demonstrations on GO and pathway analysis
• Creating publication-ready network visualizations

Requirements

• Hardware: Windows PC or laptop with stable internet connectivity
• Software:
  • Cytoscape (latest version)
  • Plugins: ClueGO, CytoNCA
  • Additional tools as required (e.g., STRING database access)

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields.
• Professionals from biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or computational biology domains.
• Individuals keen on computational approaches to drug discovery and system biology.