RSC96 Schwann Cell Proliferation and Survival Induced by Dilong through PI3K/Akt Signaling Mediated by IGF-I.
Schwann cell proliferation is critical for the regeneration of injured nerves. Dilongs are widely used in Chinese herbal medicine to remove stasis and stimulate wound-healing functions. Exactly how this Chinese herbal medicine promotes tissue survival remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Dilong promote neuron regeneration. Our results show that treatment with extract of Dilong induces the phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway, and activates protein expression of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in a time-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis showed that G(1) transits into the S phase in 12-16 h, and S transits into the G(2) phase 20 h after exposure to earthworm extract. Strong expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E and cyclin A occurs in a time-dependent manner. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of PI3K significantly reduced PI3K protein expression levels, resulting in Bcl(2) survival factor reduction and a marked blockage of G(1) to S transition in proliferating cells. These results demonstrate that Dilong promotes the proliferation and survival of RSC96 cells via IGF-I signaling. The mechanism is mainly dependent on the PI3K protein.
Chang
Yung-Ming
YM
Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science and Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
Kuo
Wu-Hsien
WH
Lai
Tung-Yuan
TY
Shih
Ying-Ting
YT
Tsai
Fuu-Jen
FJ
Tsai
Chang-Hai
CH
Shu
Wen-Tong
WT
Chen
Ying-Yu
YY
Chen
Yueh-Sheng
YS
Kuo
Wei-Wen
WW
Huang
Chih-Yang
CY