Analysis of the key signaling pathway of baicalin that induces autophagy in papillary thyroid cancer via an optical resonator.

Despite advances in cancer therapy, high mortality persists due to drug resistance and relapse. Developing selective anticancer agents with minimal toxicity and resistance remains crucial. Baicalin shows antitumor potential, but its mechanism against papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains unclear. We designed an optical resonator to monitor baicalin-membrane protein interactions, identifying NGFR as the key ATR-shifted target. Mechanistic studies revealed baicalin induces autophagy via the NGFR/MAPK/mTOR axis, validated through in vitro and in vivo models. These findings position baicalin as a promising PTC therapeutic with clinical translation potential.