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Background: Ailanthone, a small compound derived from the bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, has several anti-tumour properties. However, the activity and mechanism of ailanthone in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the mechanism of ailanthone in the treatment of CRC by employing a combination of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular biological technique.Methods: The druggability of ailanthone was examined, and its targets were identified using relevant databases. The RNA sequencing data of individuals with CRC obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed. Utilizing the R programming language, an in-depth investigation of differentially expressed genes was carried out, and the potential target of ailanthone for anti-CRC was found. Through the integration of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment studies to search for the key pathway of the action of Ailanthone. Then, by employing molecular docking verification, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and Immunofluorescence to corroborate these discoveries.Results: Data regarding pharmacokinetic parameters and 137 target genes for ailanthone were obtained. Leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas database, information regarding 2,551 differentially expressed genes was extracted. Subsequent analyses, encompassing protein–protein interaction network analysis, survival analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking verification, revealed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as pivotal mediators of ailanthone against CRC. Additionally, the in vitro experiments indicated that ailanthone substantially affects the cell cycle, induces apoptosis in CRC cells (HCT116 and SW620 cells), and impedes the migration and invasion capabilities of these cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ailanthone significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT protein and suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells.Conclusion: Therefore, our findings indicate that Ailanthone exerts anti-CRC effects primarily by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, we propose that Ailanthone holds potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human CRC.

Patients with breast cancer are prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection [the causative virus of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)] due to their lack of immunity. In the current study, we examined the mechanism of action of Diosmetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties, in patients with BRCA infected with SARS-CoV-2.We used bioinformatics technology to analyze the binding ability, biological function, and other biological characteristics of Diosmetinin vivo and examine the core target and potential mechanism of action of Diosmetin in patients with patients with breast cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2. A prognostic model of SARS-COV-2–infected breast cancer patients was constructed, and the core genes were screened out, revealing the correlation between these core genes and clinicopathological characteristics, survival rate, and high-risk and low-risk populations. The docking results revealed that Diosmetin binds well to the core genes of patients with breast cancer with COVID-19. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses suggested that Diosmetin inhibited inflammation, enhanced immune function, and regulated the cellular microenvironment in patients with BRCA/COVID-19. For the first time, we reveal the molecular functions and potential targets of Diosmetin in patients with breast cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2, improving the reliability of the new drug and laying the foundation for further research and development.