Leveraging implicit knowledge in neural networks for functional dissection and engineering of proteins

Julius Upmeier zu Belzen, Thore Bürgel, Stefan Holderbach, Felix Bubeck, Lukás Adam, Catharina Gandor, Marita Klein, Jan Mathony, Pauline Pfuderer, Lukas Platz, Moritz Przybilla, Max Schwendemann, Daniel Heid, Mareike Daniela Hoffmann, Michael Jendrusch, Carolin Schmelas, Max Waldhauer, Irina Lehmann, Dominik Niopek, Roland Eils

Abstract: Deep neural networks are a powerful tool for predicting protein function, but identifying the specific parts of a protein sequence that are relevant to its functions remains a challenge. An occlusion-based sensitivity technique helps interpret these deep neural networks, and can guide protein engineering by locating functionally relevant protein positions.