ERK–CREB–BDNF signaling pathway (null)

The **ERK–CREB–BDNF pathway** is a core neuronal signaling cascade integrating extracellular stimuli through the activation of **ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)**, which then phosphorylates and activates the transcription factor **CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein)**. Activated CREB upregulates transcription of neurotrophic genes, notably **BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)**. BDNF acts on its receptor (TrkB), further reinforcing this signaling loop and contributing to key processes in synaptic plasticity, cell survival, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in a range of neurological and psychiatric diseases, including depression, neurodegenerative disorders, pain, and autism. Therapeutically, drugs that enhance or modulate the ERK–CREB–BDNF pathway show neuroprotective and antidepressant effects but require careful targeting due to potential oncogenic or excitatory side effects.

Other names

ERK/CREB/BDNF pathwayBDNF-ERK-CREB pathwayERK-CREB signaling pathway

Activation or inhibition of ERK phosphorylation modulates CREB activity CREB phosphorylation alters transcription of neurotrophic genes such as BDNF Drugs enhancing this pathway (e.g., antidepressants, neurotrophic agonists) promote neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, and antidepressant effects Inhibition may suppress pathological gene expression, e.g., in pain, epilepsy, addiction