Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a drug target for CNS disorders
- 1 October 2004
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Emerging Therapeutic Targets
- Vol. 8 (5) , 391-399
- https://doi.org/10.1517/14728222.8.5.391
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the neurotrophin family of trophic factors. BDNF is widely and abundantly expressed in the CNS and is available to some peripheral nervous system neurons that uptake the neurotrophin produced by peripheral tissues. BDNF promotes survival and differentiation of certain neuronal populations during development. In adulthood, BDNF can modulate neuronal synaptic strength and has been implicated in hippocampal mechanisms of learning and memory and spinal mechanisms for pain. Several CNS disorders are associated with a decrease in trophic support. As BDNF and its high affinity receptor are abundant throughout the whole CNS, and BDNF is a potent neuroprotective agent, this trophic factor is a good candidate for therapeutic treatment of some of CNS disorders. This review aims to correlate the features of some CNS disorders (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy and chronic pain) to changes in BDNF expression in the brain. The cellular and...Keywords
This publication has 98 references indexed in Scilit:
- Multiple Distinct Signal Pathways, Including an Autocrine Neurotrophic Mechanism, Contribute to the Survival-Promoting Effect of Depolarization on Spiral Ganglion NeuronsIn VitroJournal of Neuroscience, 2001
- Early BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 Signaling EventsExperimental Neurology, 1999
- Regulated neurotrophin receptor responsiveness during neuronal migrationand early differentiationJournal of Neuroscience, 1994
- Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase by nerve growth factor involves indirect coupling of the trk proto-oncogene with src homology 2 domainsNeuron, 1992
- Nerve growth factor rapidly stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 by a kinase activity associated with the product of the trk protooncogene.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1991
- Molecular cloning of a human gene that is a member of the nerve growth factor family.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1990
- Molecular cloning and neurotrophic activities of a protein with structural similarities to nerve growth factor: developmental and topographical expression in the brain.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1990
- Signal transduction by receptors with tyrosine kinase activityPublished by Elsevier ,1990
- Identification and characterization of a novel member of the nerve growth factor/brain-derived neurotrophic factor familyNature, 1990
- Proliferation, differentiation and degeneration in the spinal ganglia of the chick embryo under normal and experimental conditionsJournal of Experimental Zoology, 1949