Brain-derived neurotrophic factor messenger RNA 3' untranslated region (BDNF mRNA 3'UTR) (BDNF mRNA 3'UTR)

The Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) is a critical regulatory segment that controls the stability, subcellular localization, and translation of the BDNF transcript (An et al., 2008, Cell). BDNF is a vital neurotrophin involved in neuronal growth, survival, and synaptic plasticity, and its expression is tightly regulated through alternative polyadenylation that produces transcripts with either a short or a long 3'UTR (Lau et al., 2010, Journal of Neuroscience). The long 3'UTR is particularly important for the transport of mRNA to distal dendrites, allowing for local translation in response to neuronal activity. In many neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and major depressive disorder, BDNF levels are significantly reduced, often due to increased microRNA-mediated repression at the 3'UTR (Dwivedi, 2009, Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience). As a therapeutic target, the 3'UTR is being explored for the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that can mask microRNA binding sites, thereby stabilizing the mRNA and boosting endogenous BDNF protein levels (Vanevski and Xu, 2013, Molecular Therapy). This approach offers a potential disease-modifying strategy to restore neurotrophic support, although challenges include ensuring precise delivery to the central nervous system and avoiding side effects related to BDNF over-expression.

Other names

BDNF 3'UTRBrain-derived neurotrophic factor 3' untranslated regionBDNF long 3'UTRBDNF short 3'UTRBDNF 3-prime untranslated region

Modulation of mRNA stability and translation by blocking microRNA binding sites (e.g., miR-132, miR-206) or inhibitory RNA-binding proteins within the 3'UTR to increase endogenous BDNF protein expression (Vanevski and Xu, 2013, Molecular Therapy).