Description
Description: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) is a prosurvival factor induced by cortical neurons that is necessary for survival of striatal neurons in the brain. It is a secreted protein with the molecular weight of 27.8kDa, consisting of 247 amino acids. It is known to promote neuronal survival and differentiation. BDNF shares substantial amino acid sequence identity with nerve growth factor(NGF). BDNF and neurotrophin-3(NT-3) are two recently cloned neurotrophic factors that are homologous to NGF. mRNA products of the BDNF and NT-3 genes are detected in the adult monkey primate brain, suggesting that these proteins are involved in the maintenance of the adult nervous system. BDNF and other neurotrophins are critically involved in long-term potentiation(LTP). BDNF-mediated LTP is induced postsynaptically. BDNF has trophic effects on serotonergic(5-HT) neurons in the central nervous system. BDNF has an essential maintenance function in the regulation of anxiety-related behavior and in food intake through central mediators in both the basal and fasted state. It plays a role in treating breathing disorders such as respiratory insufficiency after spinal injury. The mature form of BDNF is identical in all mammals examined, and the gene encoding monkey primate BDNF to chromosome 11, band p13.
Protein 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