Salvianolic acid A

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is a regulator of the G₂-M transition whose dysregulation undermines cell-cycle fidelity and drives malignant growth. Although CDK1 has been implicated in tumorigenesis, its prognostic value varies by cancer type. Here we analyzed the prognostic landscape of CDK1 across human cancers and prioritized on therapeutic candidates for cancer types in which CDK1 is most strongly implicated.

We performed a pan-cancer analysis of CDK1 expression across 31 tumor types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), and tested associations with outcome by univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. To translate these findings into therapeutic insights, we carried out structure-based virtual screening of a curated natural-product library against the CDK1 ATP-binding pocket and assessed predicted binding affinity.

CDK1 was broadly overexpressed across multiple malignancies and high CDK1 expression associated with poorer survival in several tumor cohorts. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) showed one of the strongest and most consistent prognostic associations, with CDK1 expression rising with advancing stage. Structure-based screening nominated five natural compounds namely, Salvianolic acid C, Salvianolic acid A, Calceolarioside B, Chicoric acid, and Plantagoside, as promising CDK1 kinase inhibitors and drug candidates for ACC. These compounds demonstrated favorable CDK1 binding and possess reported biological and anticancer activities, supporting their translational potential.

Our findings highlight CDK1 as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target across multiple cancers, with particular relevance in ACC. By integrating pan-cancer transcriptomic analysis with structure-based drug discovery, this study not only emphasizes the clinical significance of CDK1 in ACC but also proposes natural compound-derived inhibitors as promising candidates for future therapeutic development.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) neurotoxic peptides that cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. The current study examined the neuroprotective properties of salvianolic acid A (SalA), an antioxidant polyphenol, in a Drosophila melanogaster model of AD. Transgenic flies expressing human Aβ42 were assayed for eye morphology, life span, and locomotor function after SalA diet supplementation. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR were used to quantify transcriptional regulation with SalA treatment. Aβ42 expression resulted in classic AD phenotypes, including retinal degeneration, shortened lifespan, and compromised climbing ability. Partial rescue of the rough-eye phenotype, significant prolongation of lifespan, and improved locomotor function in aging flies were induced by SalA treatment. Transcriptome profiling showed the upregulation of glutathione metabolism-associated, cytochrome P450 activity-associated, and antioxidant defence-associated genes, while muscle development-associated, cell adhesion-associated, and apoptosis-associated genes were downregulated. Network analysis identified a SalA-responsive gene module enriched in detoxification and immune pathways that was conducive to enhanced cellular resistance to Aβ42 toxicity. These findings identify a redox-regulated aging mechanism whereby SalA maintains neuronal and systemic homeostasis during aging. SalA inhibits Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila via promoting redox equilibrium and detoxification. These findings present SalA as a potential multi-target lead drug for AD and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.