Predicting potential therapeutic targets and small molecule drugs for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constituting the majority, and its main subtype being lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Despite substantial advances in LUAD diagnosis and treatment, early diagnostic biomarkers inadequately fulfill clinical requirements. Thus, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify potential biomarkers and corresponding therapeutic drugs for early-stage LUAD patients. Here we identified a total of 10 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with survival significance through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Subsequently, we identified a promising small molecule drug, Aminopurvalanol A, based on the 10 key genes using the L1000FWD application, which was validated by molecular docking followed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results highlighted TOP2A, CDH3, ASPM, CENPF, SLC2A1, and PRC1 as potential detection biomarkers for early LUAD. We confirmed the efficacy and safety of Aminopurvalanol A, providing valuable insights for the clinical management of LUAD.