Unraveling the multi-targeted curative potential of bioactive molecules against cervical cancer through integrated...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Viral infections, particularly HPV, are a major cause of cervical cancer.
• Developing targeted therapies requires understanding molecular mechanisms at the systems level.
• Multi-omics and systems pharmacology approaches are crucial for identifying novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of viral infections in cervical cancer.
• To identify key immune genes and potential therapeutic targets.
• To discover plant-derived compounds effective against cervical cancer.

Main Methods:

• Utilized systems pharmacology and a multi-omics approach.
• Analyzed immuno-transcriptomic data from cervical cancer patients.
• Employed Network Analyst 3.0 to identify differentially expressed immune genes.
• Collected phytocompounds from medicinal plants described in literature.

Main Results:

• Identified 384 differentially expressed immune genes critical for cervical cancer.
• Found 79 plant-derived compounds targeting these identified immune genes.
• Pinpointed virogenomic signatures associated with E7 oncoproteins as potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

• The study identified significant immune genes driving cervical cancer progression.
• Discovered plant-derived compounds with potential as anti-HPV drug candidates.
• The findings provide a rationale for optimizing small molecules as viable drug candidates for cervical cancer therapy.