A Comprehensive Study to Investigate the Tumor-Suppressive Role of Radix Bupleuri on Gastric Cancer with Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Abstract

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a common fatal malignancy. The aim of this study was to explore and validate the tumor-suppressive role and mechanism of Radix Bupleuri in GC. Methods The active constituents of Radix Bupleuri were screened using TCMSP database. SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict potential target genes of the compounds. GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, OMIM, and PharmGKB databases were used to search for GC-related targets. STRING database and Cytoscape 3.10 software were used for protein–protein interaction network construction and screening of core targets. DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG analyses. Core targets were validated using molecular docking. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using CCK-8 and flow cytometry after GC cells were treated with isorhamnetin. The mRNA and protein expression levels of genes were detected using qRT PCR and Western blot. The metastasis potential of GC cells was evaluated in a nude mouse model. Results A total of 371 potential targets were retrieved by searching the intersection of Radix Bupleuri and GC targets. Petunidin, 3’,4’,5’,3,5,6,7-Heptamethoxyflavone, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin were identified as the main bioactive compounds in Radix Bupleuri . SRC, HSP90AA1, AKT1, and EGFR, were core targets through which Radix Bupleuri suppressed GC. The tumor-suppressive effect of Radix Bupleuri on GC was mediated by multiple pathways, including PI3K-AKT, cAMP, and TNF signaling. The key compounds of Radix Bupleuri had good binding affinity with the core target. Isorhamnetin, a key component of Radix Bupleuri , could inhibit proliferation and metastasis, and induces apoptosis of GC cells. In addition, isorhamnetin could also reduce the mRNA expression of core targets, and the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion This study identified potential targets and pathways of Radix Bupleuri against GC through network pharmacology and molecular docking, providing new insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of Radix Bupleuri in GC treatment.