RNA-seq based elucidation of mechanism underlying Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide induced immune activation of murine myeloid-derived dendritic cells

Our previous study has demonstrated that Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) could induce activation and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Hereby, this study aimed to further elucidate the underlying mechanism of PSG-1 induced immune activation based on RNA-seq. The results of RNA-seq analysis showed 2231 differentially expressed genes between PSG-1 and control group. 28 biological processes terms, 20 molecular functions terms, and 10 cellular components terms were identified by GO analysis. PI3K/Akt and NF-kappa B pathways were belong to 20 most significantly affected signaling pathways analyzed by KEGG. p-Akt and p-I kappa B alpha levels in DCs were raised by PSG-1, and PSG-1-induced expression of MHC-II, CD80 and CD86 and production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were decreased by the inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and NF-kappa B pathways. These results indicated that immune response and immune function were regulated in PSG-1 stimulated DCs based on RNA-seq, in which PI3K/Akt and NF-kappa B pathways played a vital role.