Exploring the potential mechanisms of Erigeron breviscapus in the treatment of glaucoma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

To elucidate the mechanism of action of Erigeron breviscapus (EB) in the treatment of glaucoma, we employed a comprehensive approach combining network pharmacology and molecular docking. The primary active compounds and corresponding targets of EB were identified utilizing the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Concurrently, glaucoma-related disease targets were sourced from the GeneCards database. The intersection of drug and disease targets was determined using Venny 2.1.0. Potential targets of EB for glaucoma treatment were further explored by constructing protein-protein interaction networks via the STRING database and analyzed using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. Finally, the validation of protein molecular docking was conducted using AutoDockTools and the PyMOL software. The EB screening identified 12 active ingredients and 161 gene targets for glaucoma treatment. Protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted core targets like AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, estrogen receptor 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, and others, involved in cell signaling, neovascularization, cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, and inflammation. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that EB treatment for glaucoma primarily affects signaling pathways related to oxygenated compounds, cell proliferation, cell communication, protein kinase and oxidoreductase activities, PI3K-AKT, RAS, and VEGF. Further molecular docking indicated that EB's active ingredients effectively bind to the key target AKT1. In conclusion, the network pharmacology approach identified the drug-active-ingredient-target-disease interactions of EB for glaucoma, predicting gene targets and signaling pathways. This offers a foundation for understanding EB's mechanism and aids in glaucoma drug development.