Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Neuronal Survival and Behavior‐Related Plasticity

Abstract

Neurotrophins are critical to the development and maintenance of the mammalian central nervous system. Among them is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose synthesis and release is targeted by activation of glutamate receptors. Perturbation of this process probably underlies neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A naturally occurring variation in humans, in the form of a common single-nucleotide polymorphism in the pro region of the polypeptide at codon 66 (Val66-->Met), affects processing of the pro-BDNF polypeptide and its activation-dependent release. This variant is associated with differences in the volume of the hippocampal formation and with anxiety and depression-related phenotypes. Convergent findings supporting a role for BDNF in alterations to hippocampal structure and behavior are found in a "humanized" BDNF transgenic mouse. Also, recent human genetic studies have supported a role of BDNF signaling in addictive behaviors by allele-, genotype-, and haplotype-based association of the TrkB gene, which encodes the cognate receptor for BDNF, with alcohol dependence. A better understanding of the influence of BDNF-mediated pathways in cell survival and plasticity will aid in developing new approaches to restoring normal function in disease states.

Cacna1c: Protecting young hippocampal neurons in the adult brain

“…Since BDNF is released from neurons and promotes neuronal survival, 43 and we observe a 50% BDNF reduction in these mice, our results suggest a non-autonomous effect. However, this does not exclude the possibility that Ca v 1.2 may also play a role in neuronal cell death by regulating calcium signaling in a cell-autonomous manner.…”

Characterization of AD-like phenotype in aged APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice

“…Lower BDNF levels in the hippocampus of aged APP/ PS1 mice Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a central regulator of hippocampal neuron survival and synaptic plasticity (Lipsky and Marini 2007). Levels of BDNF have been reported to be decreased in the preclinical Five mice per group for pathological analyses and three mice per group in three independent Western blotting analysis experiments.…”

“…BDNF is important in neuronal growth and survival and synaptic processes of memory (Lipsky and Marini 2007). Evidence has suggested that dysfunction of BDNF is a possible contributor to the pathology and symptoms of AD (Tapia-Arancibia et al 2008).…”

Subchronic Alpha-Linolenic Acid Treatment Enhances Brain Plasticity and Exerts an Antidepressant Effect: A Versatile Potential Therapy for Stroke

“…BDNF is an immediate early gene that responds rapidly after membrane depolarization, and is involved in the maintenance and support of neurons (Barde, 1994;Marini et al, 2008). It is essential in neuronal survival and behavior-related plasticity (Lipsky and Marini, 2007). BDNF induces anti-apoptotic mechanisms after stroke, and reduces infarct size and secondary neuronal cell death (Schabitz et al, 2000;Zhang and Pardridge, 2001).…”