Ganoderma extract activates MAP kinases and induces the neuronal differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

Abstract

The pharmacology and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine has been extensively documented. We have used an in vitro model system, PC12 cells, to demonstrate the presence of neuroactive compounds in Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi). Ganoderma extract induced the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and prevented nerve growth factor-dependent PC12 neurons from apoptosis. Moreover, these effects of ganoderma might be mediated via the ras/extracellular signalregulated kinase (Erk) and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathways, as demonstrated by the phosphorylation of Erk1, Erk2 and CREB. Thus, our data not only present the first evidence of the presence of neuroactive compounds that mediate the neuronal differentiation and neuroprotection of the PC12 cells, but also reveal the potential signaling molecules involved in its action. ß

Extract of Reishi Polysaccharides Induces Cytokine Expression via TLR4-Modulated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways

“…In addition, G. lucidum extract was shown to activate MAPKs and mediate the neuronal differentiation and neuroprotection of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells (20), perhaps via the Ras/ERK and CREB signal transduction pathways (20). The real carbohydrate epitope responsible for the antitumor activity and its receptor have not been identified, however, although the complement receptor type 3 (CR3) has been shown to bind ␤-glucan PS with undefined side chains (see Ref.…”

Ganoderma lucidum extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cell

“…The fruiting bodies and cultured mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum have been demonstrated to possess anti-tumor activities, 10 -18 immunomodulatory activities, 19 -20 and neuroactive effects. 21 Although numerous studies on the effects of water extracts of GL have been reported, 10 -16 little is known regarding its alcohol extracts. It has been reported that the alcohol extract of Ganoderma lucidum can induce cell cycle arrest at transition from G1 to S phase in HeLa-cells 17 This study was designed to further investigate the anti-tumor effects of alcohol extracts of Ganoderma lucidum and elucidate the potential mechanisms using an in vitro system.…”

Cloning and Expression of a Novel Nuclear Matrix-associated Protein That Is Regulated during the Retinoic Acid-induced Neuronal Differentiation

“…Reference plasmid pCMV␤gal was co-transfected to serve as internal control for normalizing the transfection efficiency. MTT assays and ␤-galactosidase assays were performed as previously described (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) (22). BrdUrd incorporation assays were performed using BrdUrd-based cell proliferation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Roche Molecular Biochemicals).…”