Pedunculoside regulates the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway

The aging population has increased neurodegenerative diseases, yet current therapies mostly relieve symptoms rather than halt disease progression. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are crucial in nervous system development and repair, and research on their proliferation and differentiation regulation is vital. This study aimed to explore the effect of pedunculoside (PE) on primary NSCs and its mechanism. NSCs from pregnant rats (E13 - E14) were cultured and studied using CCK - 8, EDU incorporation, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and molecular docking. Results showed PE significantly promoted NSC proliferation at 10 μM and 20 μM dose - dependently. It also enhanced neuronal differentiation, with increased TUJ - 1 and decreased GFAP. Molecular docking and Western blot revealed PE binds to PI3K, activates the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway, and promotes protein phosphorylation. The PI3K inhibitor experiment confirmed PE's effect on NSC differentiation is mediated by this pathway. This study provides evidence for PE's role in NSC research and advances nervous system disease treatment research.