Identifying NFKB1, STAT3, and CDKN1A as Baicalein’s Potential Hub Targets in Parkinson’s Disease-related α-synuclein-mediated Pathways by Integrated Bioinformatics Strategies

Background: The overexpression, accumulation, and cell-to-cell transmission of α-synuclein leads to the deterioration of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous studies suggest that Baicalein (BAI) can bind to α-synuclein and inhibit α-synuclein aggregation and secretion. However, it is still unclear whether BAI can intervene with the pathogenic molecules in α-synuclein-mediated PD pathways besides targeting α-synuclein per se. Methods: This study aimed to systematically investigate BAI’s potential targets in PD-related A53T mutant α-synuclein-mediated pathways by integrating data mining, network pharmacological analysis, and molecular docking simulation techniques. Results: The results suggest that BAI may target genes that are dysregulated in synaptic transmission, vesicle trafficking, gene transcription, protein binding, extracellular matrix formation, and kinase activity in α-synuclein-mediated pathways. NFKB1, STAT3, and CDKN1A are BAI’s potential hub targets in these pathways. Conclusion: Our study provides clues for future anti-PD drug development.