DOI: 10.1177/03000605261460317 ISSN: 0300-0605

Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis–based strategy for exploring the mechanisms of luteolin in the treatment of five types of cancer: A retrospective computational study

Haixu Xu, Wenyu Qiu, Chendong Zhu, Nannan Zhao, Jing Sha
Show PDF Cite

Objective

Luteolin, a natural flavonoid, exhibits anticancer effects; however, its mechanisms of action are unclear.

Methods

This retrospective computational study combined network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to explore luteolin’s anticancer mechanisms in five types of cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers. Network pharmacology helps uncover multi-target interactions in complex diseases. Public databases were used to build compound–target, target–disease, and protein–protein interaction networks. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations validated luteolin’s binding to AKT1. The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium dataset and Human Protein Atlas database were used to assess AKT1 expression in cancer versus normal tissues.

Results

Topological analysis identified AKT1 (a PI3 K/AKT pathway kinase) as a hub gene linked to apoptosis, cell cycle, and tumor suppression. Molecular studies confirmed strong luteolin–AKT1 binding. Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium and Human Protein Atlas data showed that compared with normal tissues, higher AKT1 expression was present in lung, gastric, and breast cancers and lower expression was observed in liver and colorectal cancers.

Conclusion

The anticancer effects exerted by luteolin may involve AKT1 signaling modulation. Network pharmacology aids in revealing multi-target mechanisms of natural compounds, supporting further research on the therapeutic potential of luteolin.

More from our Archive