Cannabichromene induces neuronal differentiation genes in NSC-34 cells.

Phytocannabinoids, with their variety of beneficial effects, represent a valid group of substances that could be employed as neurogenesis-enhancers or neuronal differentiation inducers. We focused our attention in the neuronal-related potential of cannabichromene (CBC) when administered to undifferentiated NSC-34 for 24 hours. Transcriptomic analysis showed an upregulation of several neuronal markers, as Neurod1 and Tubb3, as well as indicators of neuronal differentiation process progression, as Pax6. In depth investigation of the processes involved in neuronal differentiation indicates positive cytoskeleton remodeling by upregulation of Cfl2 and Tubg1, and active differentiation-targeted transcriptional program, suggested by Phox2b and Hes1. These results indicate CBC as a potential neuronal differentiation-inducer for NSC-34 cells.