Effects and possible mechanism of Ruyiping formula application to breast cancer based on network prediction

Area of Science:

• Integrative oncology
• Pharmacology
• Computational biology

Background:

• Postoperative recurrence remains a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment.
• Traditional Chinese herbal formulas, like Ruyiping (RYP), are explored for their therapeutic potential.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of RYP in breast cancer is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Ruyiping (RYP) in preventing breast cancer recurrence.
• To predict and validate the molecular targets, genes, and pathways involved in RYP's anti-breast cancer effects using network analysis and experimental methods.

Main Methods:

• Network analysis for target prediction.
• Quantitative analysis of RYP and its components using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• In vitro (MTT assays, Luciferase reporter systems, Western blotting) and in vivo (zebrafish model) experiments to validate network predictions.

Main Results:

• RYP quality control is feasible, with icariin identified as a suitable marker ingredient.
• RYP demonstrated anti-breast tumor effects, including inhibition of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) expression.
• RYP promoted cancer cell apoptosis and exhibited anti-angiogenic properties, partially aligning with network predictions.

Conclusions:

• RYP possesses anti-breast tumor properties that may help prevent recurrence.
• Network analysis is a valuable tool for guiding experimental research, but predictions require experimental validation.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate RYP's mechanisms of action in breast cancer.