Natural Compounds Targeting VEGFRs in Kidney Cancer: An In silico Prediction

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs), which target angiogenesis by blocking VEGF signaling, are used in the treatment of many cancers including kidney cancer. Despite their efficacy in cancer, serious adverse effects such as hypertension and cardiovascular toxicities remain a clinical challenge. Natural non-toxic compounds targeting VEGFRs might be an alternative to VEGFR-TKIs. In the current study, we screened databases and literature which recommend natural compounds for kidney cancer and found approximately five hundred natural compounds. After screening for toxicity and drug-likeliness properties, fifteen of these compounds remained. Subsequently, we performed molecular docking studies against VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 with Lenvatinib, reported to be the most toxic of TKIs, and the fifteen natural compounds. As a result, Polydatin and Plakortide M gave the closest results to Lenvatinib in the interactions of the compounds with VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, respectively.