Assessment of Anticancer Effect of Rhodium Nanoparticle-based Photodynamic Therapy via Protein-Protein Interaction Network Analysis

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy, as an efficient and safe method, has attracted the attention of experts. This therapeutic method is based on the application of photosensitizers and light radiation. This study was designed to assess the possible molecular mechanism of rhodium nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of proteomic data from the literature. Methods: Proteomic data about rhodium nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy effect on the HeLa cell line proteome were retrieved from the literature and were included in the CluePedia application of Cytoscape software to create a directed PPI network. The network was analyzed, and the crucial targeted proteins were identified and compared with genes in GeneCards for "HeLa cell line" and "cervical cancer". The common gene and protein were selected and discussed. Results: A directed PPI network of 105 proteins was formed. Six sub-networks were selected for further investigation. Comparison of the PPI data and the genes from the GeneCards database led to the introduction of HLA-B, CYCS, CD44, HSPB1, and RBBP4 as the critical targeted proteins by the applied treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, a sub-network including HLA-B, CYCS, CD44, and HSPB1 and another sub-network containing RBBP4 and its neighbors were highlighted as the core of molecular effects of the applied rhodium nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy.