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 human 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.
