Poria cocos Regulates Cell Migration and Actin Filament Aggregation in B35 and C6 Cells by Modulating the RhoA, CDC42, and Rho Signaling Pathways

Chemical structures, extraction and analysis technologies, and bioactivities of edible fungal polysaccharides from Poria cocos: An updated review

Poria cocos is a popular medicinal food. Polysaccharides are the key component of Poria cocos, forming 70-90 % of the dry sclerotia mass. Recent studies indicate that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-Cs) have multiple beneficial functions and applications. A literature search was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases. For this review, we provided an updated research progress in chemical structures, various extraction and analysis technologies, bioactivities of PCP-Cs, and insights into the directions for future research. The main polysaccharides identified in Poria cocos are water-soluble polysaccharides and acidic polysaccharides. Hot water, alkali, supercritical fluid, ultrasonic, enzyme, and deep eutectic solvent-based methods are the most common methods for PCP-Cs extraction. Technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, are commonly used to evaluate the qualities of PCP-Cs. In addition, PCP-Cs have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroregulatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and gut microbiota regulatory properties. Future research is needed to focus on scaling up extraction, enhancing quality control, elucidating mechanisms of bioactivities, and the utilisation of PCP-Cs in food industries. Overall, Poria cocos is a good source of edible fungi polysaccharides, which can be developed into functional foods with potential health benefits.

The Effects of Poria cocos on Rho Signaling-Induced Regulation of Mobility and F-Actin Aggregation in MK-801-Treated B35 and C6 Cells

Methods

B35 neuronal cells and C6 glial cells were incubated with MK-801 for 7 days followed by MK-801, MK801 in combination with water extracts of P. cocos (PRP for P. cocos cum Radix Pini or WP for White Poria) treatment for an additional 7 days. Analysis of cell mobility, F-actin aggregation, and Rho signaling modulation was performed to clarify the roles of PRP or WP in MK-801-treated B35 and C6 cells.

Results

MK-801 decreases B35 cell mobility, whereas the inhibited cell migration ability and F-actin aggregation in MK-801-treated B35 or C6 cells could be reversed by PRP or WP. The CDC42 expression in B35 or C6 cells would be reduced by MK-801 and restored by treating with PRP or WP. The RhoA expression was increased by MK-801 in both B35 and C6 cells but was differentially regulated by PRP or WP. In B35 cells, downregulation of PFN1, N-WASP, PAK1, and ARP2/3 induced by MK-801 can be reversely modulated by PRP or WP. PRP or WP reduced the increase in the p-MLC2 expression in B35 cells treated with MK-801. The reduction in ROCK1, PFN1, p-MLC2, and ARP2/3 expression in C6 cells induced by MK-801 was restored by PRP or WP. Reduced N-WASP and PAK1 expression was differentially regulated by PRP or WP in MK-801-treated C6 cells.