Enzyme-Digested Edible Bird's Nest Promotes NGF-Induced Differentiation of PC12 Cells by Activating the TrkA-ERK1/2-CREB-BDNF Signaling Pathway.

The neuroprotective properties of edible bird's nest (EBN) are well established; however, its effects on neuronal growth remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of enzyme-digested EBN (EBND) on neurogenesis in the PC12 neuronal cell line. Although treatment with EBND alone did not significantly promote the differentiation of PC12 cells, it increased neurite outgrowth and neurofilament expression when co-administered with nerve growth factor (NGF). Moreover, EBND significantly augmented the NGF-induced phosphorylation of TrkA and ERK1/2, which in turn activated CREB and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Notably, these effects of EBND were diminished by the TrkA inhibitor GW441756. Taken together, these findings suggest that combined treatment with EBND and NGF enhances neurogenesis in PC12 cells by activating the TrkA-ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.