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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or abrineurin, [5] is a protein [6] that, in humans, is encoded by the BDNF gene. [ 7 ] [ 8 ] BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors, which are related to the canonical nerve growth factor (NGF), a family which also includes NT-3 and NT-4 /NT-5.
It is known that during postnatal life a critical step to nervous system development is synapse elimination. The changes in synaptic connections and strength are results from LTP and LTD and are strongly regulated by the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an activity-dependent synapse-development protein.
According to the United States National Library of Medicine's medical subject headings, the term neurotrophin may be used as a synonym for neurotrophic factor, [5] but the term neurotrophin is more generally reserved for four structurally related factors: nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). [6]
Neurotrophic factors also promote the initial growth and development of neurons in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, and they are capable of regrowing damaged neurons in test tubes and animal models. [1] [4] Some neurotrophic factors are also released by the target tissue in order to guide the growth of developing axons.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic growth factor that plays an important role in memory, learning, and higher thinking. It has been found that BDNF plasma levels and hippocampal volume are decreased in individuals with depression. [7]
Recent studies have called attention to the role of altered neuroplasticity in depression. A review found a convergence of three phenomena: Chronic stress reduces synaptic and dendritic plasticity; Depressed subjects show evidence of impaired neuroplasticity (e.g. shortening and reduced complexity of dendritic trees)
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin associated with plasticity and growth of the central nervous system. [14] It is a PRP candidate because its expression is closely related to activity, and abnormalities in its translation and signaling results in L-LTP deficits and amnesia. [14]
The axolotl is less commonly used than other vertebrates, but is still a classical model for examining regeneration and neurogenesis. Though the axolotl has made its place in biomedical research in terms of limb regeneration, [19] [20] the model organism has displayed a robust ability to generate new neurons following damage.