Robustness and plasticity of theoretical and biological networks

The shape and the function of proteins are based on the interactions between atoms of the amino acids, the basic unit making proteins. Most of the amino acids of a protein resist mutation as their modification do not lead to functional and/or conformational changes. Nevertheless, few of them are vulnerable to modifications which yield severe changes associated to diseases, functional changes, or evolution (Dan Tawfik). In the recent years, proteins have been described as amino acid interaction networks with amino acids and interactions as nodes and links, respectively (Claire Lesieur). It is therefore possible to investigate how proteins combine robustness and plasticity towards local changes using theoretical approaches such as network/graph theories.
Fortunately, the features and dynamics of theoretical, social and informatics networks are well studied by mathematics (Sylvain Séné), physics and computer science (Kave Salamatian). The goal of the meeting is to explore the robustness and the plasticity of non-biological networks to anticipate network measures most suitable to address structural, mechanical and functional changes in proteins.
In a complementary way, the workshop will explore alternative approaches investigating the mechanisms that enable local information to spread globally and yield complex structures: Molecular dynamics combined to graph theory (David Wales), tiling/symmetry (Laurent Vuillon, Pierre-Etienne Meunier), protein mechanical properties (Keqin Zhang) and protein pattern designs (Sylvie Ricard Blum).