Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth by Baicalein via ESR1 Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanism by which baicalin inhibits cancer cell growth through estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that baicalin primarily binds to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ESR1, interacting through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. After binding, the overall and local conformations of ESR1 change, affecting its interactions with other proteins and thus modulating the signaling pathways of cancer cells. Binding free energy analysis indicates that the binding of baicalin to ESR1 is spontaneous and relatively stable. Additionally, baicalin can inhibit the binding of ESR1 to estrogen, blocking the estrogen signaling pathway and thereby suppressing the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. This study provides theoretical and experimental foundations for the potential use of baicalin as an anticancer drug, offering new insights and methods for the development of novel anticancer drugs. However, the study has some limitations, such as limited simulation time and simplified systems. Future research can extend the simulation time and consider more physiological factors to more accurately simulate the interactions between baicalin and ESR1.