• Introduce the concepts of network pharmacology and its role in modern drug discovery.
• Provide hands-on experience with bioinformatics tools and databases used in network pharmacology.
• Equip participants with the ability to analyze and interpret complex biological networks and their implications in pharmacology.
• Facilitate discussions on the integration of bioinformatics in pharmaceutical research and development.

Day 1: Introduction and Target Retrieval

Introduction to Network Pharmacology

• Definition and significance in drug discovery
• Overview of the workshop modules

Target Retrieval

• Methods for identifying drug targets
• Databases and resources for target retrieval 

HandsOn Session: Retrieving Targets

• Practical session on retrieving targets using various databases
• Filtering and organizing obtained data

Day 2: Hands on session: Network Construction and Analysis

Constructing Networks

• Building networks using Cytoscape
• Importing and visualizing data

Network Analysis with CytoNCA

• Introduction to CytoNCA for network centrality analysis
• Key concepts: degree centrality, betweenness centrality, etc.
• Analyzing network properties using CytoNCA
• Identifying key nodes and hub proteins

Day 3: Hands on Session: Functional Enrichment and Visualization

GO and Pathway Analysis

• Basics of Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analysis

ClueGO for Functional Enrichment

• Introduction to ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape
• Setting up and configuring ClueGO

Advanced Visualization Techniques

• Enhancing network visualizations in Cytoscape
• Integrating and displaying GO and pathway analysis results

Requirements:

• Equipment: Windows PC with a good internet connection
• Software: Cytoscape installed with ClueGO and CytoNCA plugins