Elucidating the multiscale mechanisms and therapeutic targets of caffeic acid in gastric cancer: a synergy of computational and experimental approaches.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and effective therapeutic strategies targeting its complex pathological processes are limited. Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound derived from natural plants and has attracted attention for its potential anticancer properties; however, its mechanism of action in gastric cancer has not been fully elucidated.
Methods: In this study, a multimodal computational framework integrating multiomics, machine learning, and molecular dynamics simulations, combined with in vitro experiments, was used to systematically investigate the molecular mechanism of caffeic acid against gastric cancer.
Results: Among the predicted targets, FZD2-a major receptor that mediates noncanonical WNT/Ca2+ signaling-was identified as a core regulatory hub associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed a stable binding interaction between caffeic acid and FZD2. An in vitro EMT model was established by treating human gastric cancer cells with TGF-β1. The results showed that caffeic acid intervention inhibited cell migration, invasion, and EMT progression while reducing FZD2 protein expression.
Discussion: This study confirmed that caffeic acid regulates FZD2 expression and inhibits the activation of the noncanonical Wnt5a/Ca2+/NFAT signaling pathway, thereby interfering with gastric cancer-related pathological processes. These findings reveal the molecular mechanism of caffeic acid in gastric cancer and reflect the value of natural products in cancer research.
期刊介绍:
Much of contemporary investigation in the life sciences is devoted to the molecular-scale understanding of the relationships between genes and the environment — in particular, dynamic alterations in the levels, modifications, and interactions of cellular effectors, including proteins. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences offers an international publication platform for basic as well as applied research; we encourage contributions spanning both established and emerging areas of biology. To this end, the journal draws from empirical disciplines such as structural biology, enzymology, biochemistry, and biophysics, capitalizing as well on the technological advancements that have enabled metabolomics and proteomics measurements in massively parallel throughput, and the development of robust and innovative computational biology strategies. We also recognize influences from medicine and technology, welcoming studies in molecular genetics, molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, and nanotechnology.
Our ultimate objective is the comprehensive illustration of the molecular mechanisms regulating proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and small metabolites in organisms across all branches of life.
In addition to interesting new findings, techniques, and applications, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences will consider new testable hypotheses to inspire different perspectives and stimulate scientific dialogue. The integration of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches will benefit endeavors across all domains of the life sciences.