Upregulation of astrocytic mitochondrial functions via Korean red ginseng-induced CREB-BKα-HIF-1α axis through L-type Ca²⁺ channel subunits α1C and β4.

ABSTRACT: Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) enhances astrocytic functions through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Astrocytic Ca²⁺ influx through L-type Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs) facilitates neurovascular communication, while the large-conductance Ca²⁺- and voltage-activated K⁺ (BK) channel mediates K⁺ efflux for vasodilation. However, the role of LTCC subunits in KRGE-mediated BKα and HIF-1α expression in astrocytes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of KRGE on LTCC subunits, cytosolic Ca²⁺ influx, and BKα and HIF-1α induction in human astrocytes. The levels of BKα, LTCCs, and HIF-1α were analyzed in KRGE-treated mouse brain tissue using immunohistochemistry. Human astrocytes treated with an LTCC agonist ex

SUBMITTER: Kim H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12048403 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature