Learning Patterns from Biological Networks: A Compounded Burr Probability Model (2407.04465v1)

Abstract: Complex biological networks, comprising metabolic reactions, gene interactions, and protein interactions, often exhibit scale-free characteristics with power-law degree distributions. However, empirical studies have revealed discrepancies between observed biological network data and ideal power-law fits, highlighting the need for improved modeling approaches. To address this challenge, we propose a novel family of distributions, building upon the baseline Burr distribution. Specifically, we introduce the compounded Burr (CBurr) distribution, derived from a continuous probability distribution family, enabling flexible and efficient modeling of node degree distributions in biological networks. This study comprehensively investigates the general properties of the CBurr distribution, focusing on parameter estimation using the maximum likelihood method. Subsequently, we apply the CBurr distribution model to large-scale biological network data, aiming to evaluate its efficacy in fitting the entire range of node degree distributions, surpassing conventional power-law distributions and other benchmarks. Through extensive data analysis and graphical illustrations, we demonstrate that the CBurr distribution exhibits superior modeling capabilities compared to traditional power-law distributions. This novel distribution model holds great promise for accurately capturing the complex nature of biological networks and advancing our understanding of their underlying mechanisms.