Identification of key genes and active components of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on bioinformatics analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the bio-active components and key targets of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) through bioinformatics analysis.Methods: An AM action network was constructed after taking intersection of the target genes in AM and CRC-related genes. After that, Protein-Protein Interaction analysis, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the intersected genes. Then, the differential genes in GSE70772 and GSE113513 datasets were screened separately and intersected with genes from the PPI analysis to obtain the key targets.Results: After intersection with potential targets of AM and CRC-related genes, 105 genes were screened by PPI analysis. Then, 20 genes were identified as potential target genes of AM in GSE70772 and GSE113513 datasets. These genes were intersected with the 105 genes. Finally, a key gene called MET was identified as the key target of action of AM in the treatment of CRC, and methylnissolin (MOL000380) was the active component of AM.Conclusion: MET a potential key target gene of AM, whose active component is methylnissolin, in the treatment of CRC. Thus, the findings of this study may provide a scientific basis for the further development of AM for the treatment of CRC.