Why might degree centrality be a measure of studiedness rather than biological importance?

Conditions

• Applies to biological networks subject to study bias.
• The network is a biological network, such as a protein interaction network.

Reasoning, step by step

1. Identify the pervasive issue of study bias in biological networks.
2. Recognize that more studied proteins accumulate a higher number of known interactions.
3. Conclude that high degree centrality might simply indicate extensive research focus rather than inherent biological importance.

Example

If you are looking at a protein interaction network, you will almost certainly know more interactions if you study a protein more.

Common misconceptions

• Assuming that a high degree centrality in a biological network directly indicates that the node is biologically important.

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