LAUSR

Integrin plays a prominent role in neurite outgrowth by transmitting both mechanical and chemical signals. Integrin expression is closely associated with Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV), the main component extracted from Astragali radix, which has a positive effect on neural‐protection. However, the relationship between AS‐IV and neurite outgrowth has not been studied exhaustively to date. The present study investigated the underlying mechanism of AS‐IV on neurite outgrowth. Longer neurites have been observed in SH‐SY5Y cells or cortical neurons after AS‐IV treatment. Furthermore, AS‐IV not only increased the expression of integrin β but also activated it. The AS‐IV‐induced increased integrin activity was attributed to the integrin‐activating protein talin. Application of the actin force probe showed that AS‐IV led to an increase in intracellular microfilament force during neurite growth. Furthermore, in response to AS‐IV, the microfilament force was regulated by talin and integrin activity during neurite growth. These results suggest that AS‐IV has the ability to increase intracellular structural force and facilitate neurite elongation by integrin signaling, which highlights its therapeutic potential for neurite outgrowth.