Virtual Screening of Gum Arabic Compounds for Breast Cancer-Related Receptors: Target Selection and Therapeutic Potential
摘要
This chapter examines the virtual screening of gum arabic (GA) compounds targeting breast cancer (BC)-related receptors. It highlights the innovative use of virtual screening to identify potential therapeutic compounds from natural sources, with a focus on GA, for breast cancer treatment. BC is a significant global health concern, and the limitations and side-effects associated with conventional treatments have prompted the exploration of alternative therapeutic avenues. This chapter highlights the potential of GA compounds to reshape BC treatment through pivotal receptor interactions, emphasizing the role of natural compounds and computational methods in drug discovery for BC treatment. The virtual screening process involved strategic target selection, compound library creation, molecular docking, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) assessment. This process identifies GA compounds with potential interactions with BC-related receptors such as HER2, ERα, and ERβ. The calculated docking scores enabled the ranking of GA compounds based on predicted affinities, leading to the validation of binding stability via molecular dynamics and the identification of lead compounds with robust interactions. Furthermore, this chapter underscores the importance of experimental validation in bridging the gap between virtual screening and clinical translation, solidifying predictions for potential clinical applications. Experimental validation is crucial to ensure the selective binding and therapeutic efficacy of GA-based compounds and assesses their pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety. This chapter also discusses the morphological changes induced by GA compounds in BC cells, highlighting their potential impact on cell survival and proliferation. Additionally, the safety profile of GA, as confirmed by regulatory agencies, supports its potential as a safe and well-tolerated treatment. In conclusion, the comprehensive research process involved in targeting and screening GA compounds for BC highlights their promising potential for BC treatment. This study provides a robust foundation for future research and potential clinical applications in BC therapeutics, emphasizing the need for rigorous experimental validation to ensure the efficacy and safety of GA-based compounds.