Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein belonging to the neurotrophin family of growth factors, crucial for the survival, growth, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It exerts its effects primarily by binding to its high-affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which activates various intracellular signaling cascades including IRS-1/2, PI-3K, Akt, and Ras-ERK-CREB pathways. These pathways regulate the expression of genes involved in neural plasticity, stress resistance, and cell survival. BDNF is vital for processes such as learning, memory, and higher-order thinking. Dysregulation of BDNF signaling has been implicated in a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. The precursor form, proBDNF, can also bind to the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and may have opposing effects, including promoting apoptosis. Therapeutic strategies involving BDNF, such as gene therapy (e.g., AAV2-BDNF), are under investigation for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Other names

AbrineurinNeurotrophic factor BDNF precursor form