CyKEGGParser: Tailoring KEGG pathways to fit into systems biology analysis workflows

Abstract

The KEGG pathway database is a widely accepted source for biomolecular pathway maps. In this paper we present the CyKEGGParser app (http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/cykeggparser) for Cytoscape 3 that allows manipulation with KEGG pathway maps. Along with basic functionalities for pathway retrieval, visualization and export in KGML and BioPAX formats, the app provides unique features for computer-assisted adjustment of inconsistencies in KEGG pathway KGML files and generation of tissue- and protein-protein interaction specific pathways. We demonstrate that using biological context-specific KEGG pathways created with CyKEGGParser makes systems biology analysis more sensitive and appropriate compared to original pathways.