Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of laryngeal cancer based on gene co-expression network and molecular docking

Abstract

Astragalus membranaceus (HUANG QI, HQ) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. Researchers have widely concerned its antitumor effect. At present, there is still a lack of research on the treatment of laryngeal cancer with HQ. In this study, we integrated data from the weighted gene co-expression network of laryngeal cancer samples and the components and targets of HQ. A new method for dividing PPI network modules is proposed. Important targets of HQ treatment for laryngeal cancer were obtained through the screening of critical modules. These nodes performed differential expression analysis and survival analysis through external data sets. GSEA enrichment analysis reveals pathways for important targets participation. Finally, molecular docking screened active ingredients in HQ that could interact with important targets. Combined with the laryngeal cancer gene co expression network and HQ PPI network, we obtained the critical module related to laryngeal cancer. Among them, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP10 were chosen as important targets. External data sets demonstrate that their expression in tumor samples is significantly higher than in normal samples. The survival time of patients with high expression group was significantly shortened, which is a negative factor for prognosis. GSEA enrichment analysis found that they are mainly involved in tumor-related pathways such as ECM receptor interaction and Small cell lung cancer. The docking results show that the components that can well bind to important targets of HQ are quercetin, rutin, and Chlorogenic acid, which may be the primary mechanism of the anti-cancer effect of HQ. These findings provide a preliminary research basis for Chinese medicine treatment of laryngeal cancer and offer ideas to related drug design. Laryngeal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the head and neck, most of which are squamous cell carcinoma 1. It ranks second in the incidence of head and neck cancer (HNSC). The affected population is mainly middle-aged and older men over 40 years old, with a slight trend of youth 2. The occurrence and development of laryngeal cancer are related to many factors, including smoking, drinking, HPV infection, radiation, low intake of vegetables and fruits, insufficient trace elements, and disorders of sex hormone metabolism 3-5. In the early stage of laryngeal cancer, laser treatment has less damage and less postoperative complications 6. For most patients with laryngeal cancer, open surgery is still the main treatment. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were used as auxiliary means 7. Targeted treatment of tumor can increase drug sensitivity, improve curative effect and reduce side effects 8. However, not all patients can benefit from it 9. Clearing tumors, preserving function, controlling recurrence, and improving quality of life are the goals of treating laryngeal cancer 5 .

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