Upregulation of astrocytic mitochondrial functions via Korean red ginseng-induced CREB-BK-HIF-1 axis through L-type Ca channel subunits 1C and 4.

Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) enhances astrocytic functions through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Astrocytic Ca influx through L-type Ca channels (LTCCs) facilitates neurovascular communication, while the large-conductance Ca- 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 Ca 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 exhibited increased BKα and HIF-1α protein levels. Similarly, KRGE increased the levels of LTCC subunits α1 C and β4, cytosolic Ca influx, BKα, and HIF-1α. Moreover, knockdown of either α1 C or β4 attenuated KRGE-induced increases in Ca influx and HIF-1α levels. Notably, their combined knockdown synergistically reduced KRGE-induced increases in BKα levels, mitochondrial mass, ATP production, and O consumption. The corpus callosum astrocytes of KRGE-treated mice exhibited increased levels of α1 C and β4, BKα, HIF-1α, and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Collectively, these findings suggest that KRGE induced astrocytic BKα and HIF-1α expression via LTCC-mediated Ca influx and subsequent CREB activation.