Based on my review of the GO-CAM model and the relevant guidelines, I can now provide a comprehensive review of the IL2 signaling pathway model (gomodel:6205c24300001663):
Review of IL2 Signaling Pathway Model (Human) - gomodel:6205c24300001663¶
Overview¶
This GO-CAM model represents the IL-2 signaling pathway in humans, illustrating the interactions between IL-2 (Interleukin-2) and its receptor components, as well as the subsequent signaling events through JAK kinases and STAT transcription factors.
Strengths of the Model¶
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Accuracy of Biological Process: The model correctly represents the IL-2 signaling pathway (GO:0038110) as described in the literature. The key protein components (IL-2, IL-2RA, IL-2RB, IL-2RG, JAK1, JAK3, STAT5A, STAT3) are included with their correct molecular functions.
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Adherence to GO-CAM Guidelines for Receptor Complexes: The model follows the guidelines for annotating signaling receptor activity with coreceptors. As specified in the "Signaling receptor activity annotation guidelines" document, it correctly represents:
- IL-2 as a cytokine with cytokine activity (GO:0005125)
- IL-2RA with interleukin-2 receptor activity (GO:0004911)
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IL-2RB and IL-2RG with coreceptor activity (GO:0015026)
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Accurate Causal Relationships: The model correctly uses causal relationships to connect the activities, using "directly positively regulates" (RO:0002629) to show the activation cascade from IL-2 to its receptors and downstream components.
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Appropriate Cellular Locations: The model correctly places:
- IL-2 in the extracellular space (GO:0005615)
- Receptors at the plasma membrane (GO:0005886)
- JAK kinases at the cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane (GO:0031234)
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STAT transcription factors in the nucleus (GO:0005634)
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Evidence Support: Each activity and relationship is backed by appropriate evidence codes and literature references (PMIDs).
Areas for Improvement¶
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Missing Molecular Adaptors or Intermediates: While the model correctly shows JAK activation leading to STAT activation, it doesn't include some intermediate steps such as JAK-mediated phosphorylation of the receptors creating docking sites for STATs. Based on PMID:16293754, the IL-2 receptor activation leads to "...phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK3. In turn, JAK1 and JAK3 phosphorylate the receptor to form a docking site leading to the phosphorylation of several substrates including STAT5."
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Transcription Factor Target Genes: According to the "DNA-binding transcription factor activity annotation guidelines," the model should include the target genes regulated by STAT3 and STAT5A. Currently, the STATs are shown with transcription factor activity but without specified targets.
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Receptor Complex Representation: While the model correctly shows the functional relationships between receptor components, it doesn't explicitly represent the formation of the complete IL-2 receptor complex. According to UniProt entries and PMID:16293754, IL-2 binds to a quaternary complex consisting of IL-2RA, IL-2RB, and IL-2RG (common gamma chain). The model could be more explicit about this complex formation.
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Missing Biological Outcomes: The model shows the signaling cascade but doesn't extend to the ultimate biological outcomes of IL-2 signaling, such as T-cell proliferation, differentiation, or survival.
Specific Recommendations¶
- Complete the Signaling Cascade:
- Add receptor phosphorylation events by JAKs as intermediate steps
- Include STAT phosphorylation by JAKs
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Add STAT dimerization before nuclear translocation
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Expand Transcription Factor Activities:
- Add target genes for STAT3 and STAT5A transcription factors
- Include "has input" relations to connect transcription factors to their target genes
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Use "indirectly positively/negatively regulates" to show effects on target gene activities
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Include Biological Outcomes:
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Add relevant biological processes regulated by IL-2 signaling, such as T-cell proliferation or differentiation
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Enhance Evidence:
- Consider adding more recent literature references to strengthen the model's support
Technical Correctness¶
From a technical GO-CAM modeling perspective, the model correctly uses: - Appropriate molecular function terms - Cellular location terms - "Part of" relationships to the IL-2 signaling pathway - Causal associations with the correct predicates
Conclusion¶
The IL-2 signaling pathway model (gomodel:6205c24300001663) is a solid, well-constructed representation of the core IL-2 signaling events. It adheres to GO-CAM guidelines for receptor signaling and accurately represents the biological relationships between components. With the suggested enhancements, particularly regarding downstream events and transcriptional targets, the model could provide a more complete representation of IL-2 signaling outcomes.