BDNF

Function

Important signaling molecule that activates signaling cascades downstream of NTRK2 (PubMed:11152678). 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.

BDNF precursor form

Important signaling molecule that activates signaling cascades downstream of NTRK2. Activates signaling cascades via the heterodimeric receptor formed by NGFR and SORCS2 (PubMed:24908487, PubMed:29909994). Signaling via NGFR and SORCS2 plays a role in synaptic plasticity and long-term depression (LTD). Binding to NGFR and SORCS2 promotes neuronal apoptosis. Promotes neuronal growth cone collapse (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome

CCHS

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.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

BDNF precursor form

N-glycosylated and glycosulfated, contrary to mature BDNF.

Mature BDNF is produced by proteolytic removal of the propeptide, catalyzed by a FURIN family member. In addition, the precursor form is proteolytically cleaved within the propeptide, but this is not an obligatory intermediate for the production of mature BDNF (PubMed:11152678). Can be converted into mature BDNF by plasmin (PLG) (PubMed:19467646).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the NGF-beta family.

Tissue specificity

Detected in blood plasma and in saliva (at protein level) (PubMed:11152678, PubMed:19467646). Brain. Highly expressed in hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Also expressed in heart, lung, skeletal muscle, testis, prostate and placenta.

Cellular localization

• Secreted
• BDNF precursor form
• Secreted
• A proportion of BDNF is secreted as immature precursor (proBDNF).

Alternative names

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• BDNF
• Abrineurin
• BDNF

Database links

• entrezGene:627
• omim:113505
• swissprot:P23560

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Neuroscience

Other research areas

• Cardiovascular

Molecular weight

27818Da