2-Minute Neuroscience: BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, is a neuropeptide that plays a role in a wide range of important nervous system processes, including the growth and survival of neurons and the formation and strengthening of synaptic connections. In this video, I discuss the functions of BDNF, the receptors it acts at, and its role in the mechanisms of psychiatric drugs.

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TRANSCRIPT
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, is a neuropeptide that plays a role in a wide range of important nervous system processes, including the growth and survival of neurons and the formation and strengthening of synaptic connections. BDNF’s involvement in synaptic plasticity suggests that it’s also a critical component of learning and memory. BDNF is part of a family of proteins called neurotrophins, which in general contribute to the development, survival, and function of neurons.

BDNF is produced throughout the brain, but is found in its highest amounts in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. It is formed from a precursor called proBDNF, which is cleaved into the mature form of BDNF.
BDNF binds to a receptor called the tropomyosin receptor kinase B, or TrkB receptor. Evidence suggests that the precursor form, proBDNF, may also be released and bind to another receptor called the p75 receptor. In doing so, proBDNF may have somewhat opposite effects from mature BDNF, weakening synaptic connections and even promoting apoptosis, or regulated cell death.

BDNF signaling is thought to be involved in the mechanisms of drugs used to treat several psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD. For example, the effects of both traditional antidepressant treatments like SSRIs and new treatments like ketamine seem to involve BDNF signaling. Nevertheless, drugs designed specifically to increase BDNF signaling have thus far not consistently been found to be therapeutically effective. Part of the reason for this may be that BDNF’s effects vary depending on the timing of its release and the site of its action, so artificially increasing BDNF activity on a widespread scale may not lead to the expected or desired results.

REFERENCES

Kowiański P, Lietzau G, Czuba E, Waśkow M, Steliga A, Moryś J. BDNF: A Key Factor with Multipotent Impact on Brain Signaling and Synaptic Plasticity. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2018 Apr;38(3):579-593. doi: 10.1007/s10571-017-0510-4. Epub 2017 Jun 16. PMID: 28623429; PMCID: PMC5835061.

Wang CS, Kavalali ET, Monteggia LM. BDNF signaling in context: From synaptic regulation to psychiatric disorders. Cell. 2022 Jan 6;185(1):62-76. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.12.003. Epub 2021 Dec 27. PMID: 34963057; PMCID: PMC8741740.

Image from the RCSB PDB (RCSB.org) of BDNF. Robinson RC, Radziejewski C, Spraggon G, Greenwald J, Kostura MR, Burtnick LD, Stuart DI, Choe S, Jones EY. The structures of the neurotrophin 4 homodimer and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin 4 heterodimer reveal a common Trk-binding site. Protein Sci. 1999 Dec;8(12):2589-97. doi: 10.1110/ps.8.12.2589. PMID: 10631974; PMCID: PMC2144242.
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Видео 2-Minute Neuroscience: BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) канала Neuroscientifically Challenged