Systematic network pharmacology and experimental validation reveal anti-glioma mechanisms of ganoderma lucidum via multi-target regulation.

BACKGROUND

Glioma is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a promising avenue for discovering multi-target agents against complex diseases. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi), a well-known medicinal fungus, has shown anti-tumor effects in several malignancies, but its molecular mechanisms in glioma remain largely unclear.

METHODS

We employed a network pharmacology approach to investigate the active compounds and potential targets of Ganoderma against glioma. Public databases including TCMSP, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, and DisGeNET were used to identify active ingredients and intersecting disease-related targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to explore underlying biological functions and pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify hub genes. Expression, prognostic, and diagnostic relevance of the core targets were validated using TCGA and HPA datasets. Molecular docking was conducted to assess binding affinity between key compounds and targets. Furthermore, in vitro experiments including CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell invasion, and wound healing assays were performed to validate the anti-glioma effects of Beta-Sitosterol, a representative active compound of Ganoderma.

RESULTS

A total of 16 active compounds and 86 glioma-related intersecting targets were identified. Functional enrichment revealed significant involvement in steroid metabolism, GPCR signaling, oxidoreductase activity, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. Seven hub genes (CASP3, PTGS2, HIF1A, BCL2, ESR1, MDM2, and PPARG) were identified based on PPI network analysis. Expression validation and ROC curve analysis confirmed their clinical relevance. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities between Beta-Sitosterol and key targets such as CASP3 and PTGS2. Experimental assays showed that Beta-Sitosterol inhibited cell viability (IC50 = 24.84 µM), colony formation, invasion, and migration in U87MG glioma cells.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the multi-target, multi-pathway mechanisms by which Ganoderma may exert therapeutic effects against glioma. Beta-Sitosterol is a promising active compound with significant anti-glioma potential, providing a scientific basis for the development of novel complementary therapies from traditional medicine.