Ergothioneine stimulates Ca²⁺ signaling-mediated brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in NE-4C cell

抄録

【Objective】Ergothioneine (EGT) has been demonstrated to be protective of cognition in animal models and humans. The underlying mechanism, however, is still a mystery to be unveiled. Therefore, in current study, EGT-induced Ca²⁺ signaling-mediated BDNF expression was explored.【Method】In cell culture, the mouse NE-4C stem cell was firstly differentiated into progenitor cell and then treated with sample for 48 h. Finally, the CREB phosphorylation and BDNF expression were detected. Besides, the Ca²⁺ real-time change was monitored by multi-mode microplate reader.

【Result】EGT significantly increased CREB phosphorylation and BDNF expression in NE-4C nerve cells. The elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ was inhibited by 2-APB (an IP₃R inhibitor). The analogue hercynine also enhanced intracellular Ca²⁺, yet histidine has no such effect. This suggested the trimethylammonium group may exert crucial role in Ca²⁺ signaling.