Total ginsenoside extract from Panax ginseng enhances neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation by inactivating GSK-3β

Kai-li LIN, Ji ZHANG, Hau-lam CHUNG, Xin-yi WU, Bin LIU, Bo-xin ZHAO, Stephen Cho-wing SZE, Ping-zheng ZHOU, Kin Lam Ken YUNG, Shi-qing ZHANG

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2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of total ginsenosides (TG) extract from Panax ginseng on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation and their underlying mechanisms. 

Methods: The migration of NSCs after treatment with various concentrations of TG extract (50, 100, or 200 µ g/mL) were monitored. The proliferation of NSCs was examined by a combination of cell counting kit-8 and neurosphere assays. NSC differentiation mediated by TG extract was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining to monitor the expression of nestin and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2). The GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in TG-treated NSCs was examined by Western blot assay. The NSCs with constitutively active GSK-3β mutant were made by adenovirus-mediated gene transfection, then the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs mediated by TG were further verified. 

Results: TG treatment significantly enhanced NSC migration (P<0.01 or P<0.05) and increased the proliferation of NSCs (P<0.01 or P<0.05). TG mediation also significantly upregulated MAP2 expression but downregulated nestin expression (P<0.01 or P<0.05). TG extract also significantly induced GSK-3β phosphorylation at Ser9, leading to GSK-3β inactivation and, consequently, the activation of the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In addition, constitutive activation of GSK-3β in NSCs by the transfection of GSK-3β S9A mutant was found to significantly suppress TG-mediated NSC proliferation and differentiation (P<0.01 or P<0.05). 

Conclusion: TG promoted NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation by inactivating GSK-3β. Copyright © 2021 The Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)229-235
JournalChinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
Volume28
Early online dateJan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Citation

Lin, K.-L., Zhang, J., Chung, H.-L., Wu, X.-Y., Liu, B., Zhao, B.-X., Sze, S. C.-W., Zhou, P.-Z., Yung, K. K.-L., & Zhang, S.-Q. (2022). Total ginsenoside extract from Panax ginseng enhances neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation by inactivating GSK-3β. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 28, 229-235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-021-3508-1

Keywords

  • Ginsenoside
  • Neural stem cell
  • Proliferation
  • Neuronal differentiation
  • GSK-3β

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