Researchers Identify Potential Target for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

In a groundbreaking study, investigators from Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine have identified a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The research, supported by the Key Science And Technology Program of Heilongjiang Province, China, reveals that the protein p53 is a key target for the anthraquinone compound Juglone in inhibiting tumor cell growth. The study's findings provide new insights into the development of effective treatments for colorectal cancer, which accounts for approximately 10% of all cancer cases worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

• The protein p53 is identified as a key target for the anthraquinone compound Juglone in inhibiting tumor cell growth.
• Juglone has shown promise in inhibiting tumor cell growth and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties.
• Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were used to explore the specific targets of Juglone in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
• The study found that the anti-colorectal cancer effect of Juglone depends on concentration and is mediated by promoting intracellular ROS generation and upregulating the expression level of p53 protein.
• The study's findings provide new insights into the development of effective treatments for colorectal cancer, which accounts for approximately 10% of all cancer cases worldwide.
• The research suggests that Juglone can achieve anti-colorectal cancer effects by increasing ROS levels and regulating the p53 protein.

Statistics:

• Colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all cancer cases worldwide.
• The study found that the anti-colorectal cancer effect of Juglone depends on concentration, with higher concentrations resulting in more significant effects.
• The study used a combination of molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro experiments to explore the specific targets of Juglone.
• Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the institutions leading the research on colorectal cancer treatment.

Sources:

• Deng, Y., Zhang, Y., Chen, X., Wang, W., Huo, J. (2025). *TP53* Is a Potential Target of Juglone Against Colorectal Cancer: Based on a Combination of Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and In Vitro Experiments. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2025, 47(6):439.
• NewsRx (July 11, 2025). Research from Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Colon Cancer Provides New Insights (* * TP53* * Is a Potential Target of Juglone Against Colorectal Cancer: Based on a Combination of Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics ...). Health & Medicine Week.