Network Inference and Reconstruction in Bioinformatics

Biological networks inference, also referred to as 'reverse engineering', is the scientific process of using (low- and high-throughput) experimental data, statistical and computational techniques to reconstruct how the elements of the biological network (genes, proteins, signaling molecules, cells) interact and operate as a system. We briefly outline inference and reconstruction approaches of some among the most relevant types of biological networks in molecular biology and neuroscience, and some of the most promising methodologies applied in the recent field of network medicine.