Work

Identification of potential molecular targets of luteolin in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing technology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify potential target genes of luteolin (LUT) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through integrated in vitro experiments, network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). METHODS: Potential LUT-associated therapeutic targets for HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. The anti-HCC effects of LUT were evaluated in vitro by assessing its impact on SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LUT-treated HepG2 cells, followed by bioinformatics analyses to validate hub targets and their associated pathways. RESULT: ¹) significantly inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. Transcriptome analysis identified 975 DEGs in LUT-treated HepG2 cells, with MMP9 and SRC emerging as key targets. Bioinformatics validation further linked LUT's anti-HCC effects to cell cycle modulation, wound healing, enzyme inhibition, and the TNFα and HIF-1 signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: LLUT suppresses HCC progression by inhibiting proliferation, regulating cell cycle and apoptosis, and blocking invasion and migration. Its therapeutic mechanisms likely involve targeting MMP9 and modulating the HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Source: Discover Oncology

DOI: 10.1007/s12672-025-03144-4