Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the nerve growth factor family. It is induced by cortical neurons, and is necessary for survival of striatal neurons in the brain. Expression of this gene is reduced in both Alzheimer's and Huntington disease patients. This gene may play a role in the regulation of stress response and in the biology of mood disorders. Multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq]

Function: During development, promotes the survival and differentiation of selected neuronal populations of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Participates in axonal growth, pathfinding and in the modulation of dendritic growth and morphology. Major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability. Ref.26

Subunit structure: Monomers and homodimers. Binds to NTRK2/TRKB.

Subcellular location: Secreted.

Tissue specificity: Brain. Highly expressed in hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Also expressed in heart, lung, skeletal muscle, testis, prostate and placenta. Ref.5

Post-translational modification: The propeptide is N-glycosylated and glycosulfated.Converted into mature BDNF by plasmin (PLG)

Polymorphism: Variations in BDNF are associated with susceptibility to bulimia nervosa 2 (BULN2) [

MIM:610269]. Several genes with an essential role in the regulation of eating behavior and body weight are considered candidates involved in the etiology of eating disorders (ED), but no relevant susceptibility genes with a major effect on anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) have been identified. BDNF has been implicated in the regulation of food intake and body weight in rodents. A strong association has been reported of the Met-66 allele of the Val-66-Met BDNF variant with restricting AN (ANR) and low minimum body mass index in Spanish patients. Met-66 variant is strongly associated to all ED subtypes (AN, ANR, binge-eating/purging AN and BN) in European patients. Another single nucleotide polymorphism located in the promoter region of the BDNF gene showed an effect on BN and late age at onset of weight loss. These are two variants associated with the pathophysiology of ED in different populations. These variants support a role for BDNF in the susceptibility to aberrant eating behaviors.

Involvement in disease: Defects in BDNF are a cause of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) [

MIM:209880]; also known as congenital failure of autonomic control or Ondine curse. CCHS is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal control of respiration in the absence of neuromuscular or lung disease, or an identifiable brain stem lesion. A deficiency in autonomic control of respiration results in inadequate or negligible ventilatory and arousal responses to hypercapnia and hypoxemia. CCHS is frequently complicated with neurocristopathies such as Hirschsprung disease that occurs in about 16% of CCHS cases. Ref.24

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the NGF-beta family.