Graph theoretic restriction to Proofs in Proof Complexity Theory
The most natural restriction on the proof DAG is that it be a tree – that is, any "lemma" (intermediate conclusion) is not used more than once. This property is called being "tree-like". General resolution is exponentially more powerful than tree-like resolution, as shown for example by Ben-Sasson, Impagliazzo and Wigderson. The concept has also been considered for other proof systems – just search for "tree-like X", where X is a proof system interesting you. In the particular case of resolution, there are other restrictions that can be considered. See for example a paper of Alekhnovich, Johannsen, Pitassi and Urquhart regarding regular resolution.

Tree-like resolution is especially important since traditional implementations of DPLL correspond to tree-like resolution refutations. The technique of clause learning, which is important in practice, corresponds to allowing general DAGs. Hence the structure of the proof DAG is also strongly dependent on the algorithm generating it.