Yangjing Capsule Extract Promotes Proliferation of GC-1 Spg Cells

Abstract EN

To investigate the effect of Yangjing Capsule (YC) extract on proliferation of GC-1 spermatogonia (spg) cells and the mechanism.

Methods.

GC-1 spg cells were treated with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL YC extract.

MTT assay was performed to detect the cell viability.

Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle and apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells.

Real-time PCR and western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expression of Oct-4 and Plzf.

Gfrα1 knockdown and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) were applied to explore the underlying mechanism.

Results.

After 48 h treatment of YC, the viability of GC-1 spg cells increased significantly and the ratio of apoptotic cells reduced significantly.

The increased mRNA and protein expression of Oct-4 and Plzf suggested YC promoted self-renewal of GC-1 spg cells.

Both Gfrα1 siRNAs and LY294002 treatments held back YC extract’s stimulation effects on mRNA and protein expression of Oct-4 and Plzf and consequently inhibited the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells induced by YC extract.

Conclusion.

YC extract could stimulate the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells.

Partly via Gfrα1, YC extract is able to trigger the activation of PI3K pathway and finally lead to self-renewal of GC-1 spg cells.