Poria cocos Ethanol Extract Restores MK-801-Induced Cytoskeleton Regulation in Neuro2A and IMR-32 Cells and Locomotor Hyperactivity in C57BL/6 Mice by Modulating the Rho Signaling Pathway.

UNLABELLED: Poria cocos extract attenuates MK-801-induced hyperactivity via RhoA/ROCK1 pathway modulation in mice.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Poria cocos (P. cocos), a traditional East Asian medicinal mushroom, serves as a medicine and nutritional supplement, has been used to improve sleep and mood. Its bioactive compounds may regulate calcium signaling and Rho family proteins, which are linked to cytoskeletal remodeling and psychiatric symptoms. This study investigated the effects of P. cocos ethanol extract (PCEE) on Rho signaling, cytoskeleton dynamics, and behavior in MK-801-treated cells and mice.

METHODS

PCEE components were analyzed using HPLC. IMR-32 and Neuro2A cells were treated with MK-801 and PCEE to assess changes in F-actin (via fluorescence staining), cell migration (wound healing and Transwell assays), and Rho signaling proteins (by immunoblotting). In vivo, C57BL/6 mice received MK-801 to induce hyperactivity, followed by PCEE treatment. RhoA/ROCK1 pathway protein levels in the prefrontal cortex were analyzed.

RESULTS

PCEE reversed MK-801-induced inhibition of cell migration, F-actin disruption, and dysregulation of Rho-related proteins (RhoGDI1, RhoA, CDC42, Rac1, ROCK1, MLC2, PFN1). In mice, PCEE significantly reduced MK-801-induced hyperactivity and normalized RhoA/ROCK1 signaling in the brain.

CONCLUSION

PCEE modulates cytoskeletal dynamics by regulating RhoA/ROCK1 signaling and attenuates MK-801-induced behavioral and molecular changes, suggesting its therapeutic potential for psychosis with fewer adverse effects.