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    Deciphering the Intricacies of Breast Cancer Signaling Network and the Potential of Soy-derived Isoflavones on Cancer Therapeutics

    Amir Mahgoub Awadelkareem1, Abd Elmoneim O. Elkhalifa1, Mohd Adnan2, Mohammed Kuddus3, Mohammed Idreesh Khan4, Manojkumar Sachidanandan5, Fauzia Ashfaq6, Mirza Sarwar Baig7, Syed Amir Ashraf1 Corresponding author

    1. 1Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, SAUDI ARABIA.
    2. 2Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, SAUDI ARABIA.
    3. 3Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, SAUDI ARABIA.
    4. 4Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAUDI ARABIA.
    5. 5Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, SAUDI ARABIA.
    6. 6Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, SAUDI ARABIA.
    7. 7Center for Virology, School of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, INDIA.

    CORRESPONDENCE

    Syed Amir Ashraf

    Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, SAUDI ARABIA.

    amirashrafy2007@gmail.com

    Received: 19-10-2024; Accepted: 31-01-2025.

    Volume 22, Issue 1 · pp. 53–66 · PUBLISHED 2026 · DOI: 10.1177/09731296251322233

    View on Pharmacogn. Mag. original site ↗

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge despite the emergence of various drug molecules. However, the adverse side effects of several drugs and chemotherapy necessitate the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Identifying effective therapeutic proteins specific to breast cancer is complex, and finding potential natural, noncytotoxic inhibitors presents an even more significant challenge in this field. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to identify various proteins responsible for the development of breast cancer, as well as explore the potential therapeutic application of various isoflavones as complementary agents for breast cancer management. Materials and Methods: Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNA-Seq and protein expression data at the Human Protein Atlas was performed for the identification of proteins. Furthermore, selected proteins were used for molecular docking and dynamics against various isoflavone derivatives. In addition, pharmacokinetic activity was performed for the isoflavone derivatives. Results: Molecular docking exhibited the most potent binding energy of −9.6 kcal/mol for the CRMP2-genistin complex, closely followed by the HER2-daidzin complex with a binding energy of −9.4 kcal/mol. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations showed dynamic behavior, structural integrity, stability, and interaction stability of HER2 protein with ligand daidzin. According to ADMET data, most soy isoflavones satisfy the Lipinski, Pfizer, Ghose, and GoldenTriangle criteria, indicating drug-like properties. Immunotoxicity projections indicate daidzein has the least adverse effects, while in silico, cytotoxicity assays indicate minimal overall risk. Glycitin and daidzin have the lowest levels of cytotoxicity. According to the comprehensive ADMET profiles, soy-derived isoflavones can safely complement current breast cancer therapeutics. Conclusion: Computational analysis revealed that these ligands had inhibitory potential against BC-related HER2 and CRMP2 proteins. These isoflavones could be used to develop nutraceuticals to ensure safe and effective breast cancer management.

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      Awadelkareem, A. M., Elkhalifa, A. E. O., Adnan, M., Kuddus, M., Khan, M. I., Sachidanandan, M., Ashfaq, F., Baig, M. S., & Ashraf, S. A. (2026). Deciphering the Intricacies of Breast Cancer Signaling Network and the Potential of Soy-derived Isoflavones on Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 22(1), 53–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/09731296251322233