How is BDNF stimulated?

Through a protein signaling cascade requiring Erk, CaM KII/IV, PI3K, and PLC, NMDA receptor activation is capable of triggering BDNF exon IV transcription. BDNF exon IV expression also seems capable of further stimulating its own expression through TrkB activation.

What is the function of BDNF?

The BDNF gene provides instructions for making a protein found in the brain and spinal cord called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This protein promotes the survival of nerve cells (neurons) by playing a role in the growth, maturation (differentiation), and maintenance of these cells.

What happens when BDNF binds to TrkB?

BDNF binding to TrkB alters the neuronal excitability of ion channels and also enhances post-synaptic glutamate receptor activation causing influx Ca2+ of ions post-synaptically (step 7). Excessive glutamate in the synaptic-cleft over-activates its receptors increasing the intracellular Ca2+ furthermore (step 8).

What does BDNF improve?

BDNF helps produce new brain cells and strengthen existing ones. It also eases depression, boosts weight loss, and protects against neurodegenerative diseases. As you get older, your levels of BDNF naturally start to fall.

What is BDNF and how does it regulate neuroplasticity?

BDNF is first synthesized as proBDNF and processed into BDNF. BDNF activates tyrosine kinase receptors and subsequently promotes neuronal survival, neuroplasticity, and synaptogenesis through different signaling pathways.

What does TrkB stand for?

Tropomyosin receptor kinase B
Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), also known as tyrosine receptor kinase B, or BDNF/NT-3 growth factors receptor or neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NTRK2 gene. TrkB is a receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Where are TrkB receptors found?

TrkB is expressed in both the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS). In the CNS, a high TrkB expression is observed in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, choroid plexus, and granular layer of the cerebellum, brain stem, retina and the spinal cord [5].

What is BDNF neuroplasticity?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF for short, is a protein in the brain that is crucial for learning and adaptability. There are lifestyle factors that directly affect the amount of BDNF in your brain, and if you don’t take care of these, then they directly affect the ability of your brain to adapt.

Why Understanding more about the relationship between BDNF neuroplasticity and depression might be important?

Altered BDNF function can contribute to an increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior [102]. With refinement of current knowledge, BDNF may eventually serve as a biomarker of depression and suicidal behavior in persons with depression and enhance diagnostic and treatment efforts [103, 104].