Unveiling drug-induced side effects through network-based analysis: an update
Alessio Funari, Federica Conte, Paola Paci · 2024
In this article, we propose an updated version of our previously developed model for predicting drug-side effect associations, applied to two case studies: long QT syndrome and asthma. The classifier accepts the name of a specific drug side effect as input and outputs a list of drugs potentially associated with this side effect. By simulating how drug effects propagate within the interactome using the Random Walk with Restart algorithm, the classifier identifies genes potentially associated with the onset of the side effect. Based on the rationale that the more a drug perturbs these genes, the more likely it is to cause the side effect, the model identifies drugs potentially linked to the onset of the side effect. Moreover, the model enables the categorization of drugs into chemical subclasses using the ClassyFire schema, facilitating the analysis of complex side effects, such as asthma, through more specific mechanisms. The results show that the model identifies both drugs known to be associated with certain side effects, as well as drugs not officially reported by the FDA, demonstrating its generalizability and practical relevance. This method is also adaptable for analyzing other side effects.