Effect of bone matrix protein osteocalcin on proliferation and neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

Bone matrix protein osteocalcin (OC) was recently reported to support the development of learning and memory and also prevent anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Although the mechanism through which OC affects systemic energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis has been relatively well studied, the direct actions of OC on neurons in detail are still uncovered. Therefore, we here investigated the effect of OC on neurons using rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12, with special reference to the neurite outgrowth, cell proliferation and survival, as well as intracellular signaling.