Systems biology beyond degree, hubs and scale-free networks: the case for multiple metrics in complex networks

Syst Synth Biol. 2012 Jun;6(1-2):31-4. doi: 10.1007/s11693-012-9094-y. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

Modeling and topological analysis of networks in biological and other complex systems, must venture beyond the limited consideration of very few network metrics like degree, betweenness or assortativity. A proper identification of informative and redundant entities from many different metrics, using recently demonstrated techniques, is essential. A holistic comparison of networks and growth models is best achieved only with the use of such methods.

Keywords: Complex networks; Hubs; Multiple network metrics; Scale-free networks; Systems biology.