Ginsenoside Rg1 Regulates the Activation of Astrocytes Through lncRNA‐Malat1/miR‐124‐3p/Lamc1 Axis Driving PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway, Promoting the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT Aim To investigate the regulation of ginsenoside Rg1 on the PI3K/AKT pathway through the lncRNA‐Malat1/miR‐124‐3p/ Laminin gamma1 (Lamc1) axis, activating astrocytes (As) to promote the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict miRNA targeting Lamc1 and lncRNA targeting miR‐124‐3p, which were then validated through a dual‐luciferase assay. Following transfection, the relationships between Malat1, miR‐124‐3p, and Lamc1 expression levels were assessed by qRT‐PCR and Western blot (WB). Immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were utilized to measure Lamc1 expression, while changes in cavity area were observed through hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. Basso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan (BBB) scale and footprint analysis were used to evaluate functional recovery. WB was performed to assess the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway‐related protein. Results Rg1 was found to upregulate Malat1 expression, which in turn modulated the Malat1/miR‐124‐3p/Lamc1 axis. Furthermore, Rg1 activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, significantly reducing the SCI cavity area and improving hind limb motor function. However, knockout of Malat1 hindered these effects, and inhibition of miR‐124‐3p reversed the silencing effects of Malat1. Conclusions Rg1 can induce Malat1 expression to activate the Lamc1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by sponging with miR‐124‐3p, thereby regulating As activity to repair SCI.