brain derived neurotrophic factor
Last updated 13 Mar 2023
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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. In the brain, the BDNF protein is active at the connections between nerve cells (synapses), where cell-to-cell communication occurs. The synapses can change and adapt over time in response to experience, a characteristic called synaptic plasticity. The BDNF protein helps regulate synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory.
Normal function
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. In the brain, the BDNF protein is active at the connections between nerve cells (synapses), where cell-to-cell communication occurs. The synapses can change and adapt over time in response to experience, a characteristic called synaptic plasticity. The BDNF protein helps regulate synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory.
The BDNF protein is found in regions of the brain that control eating, drinking, and body weight; the protein likely contributes to the management of these functions.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
abrineurin
ANON2
BDNF_HUMAN
brain-derived neurotrophic factor
BULN2
neurotrophin
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Further reading and references
- brain derived neurotrophic factor; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Han JC, Liu QR, Jones M, Levinn RL, Menzie CM, Jefferson-George KS, Adler-Wailes DC, Sanford EL, Lacbawan FL, Uhl GR, Rennert OM, Yanovski JA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and obesity in the WAGR syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2008 Aug 28;359(9):918-27. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0801119.
- Rodriguez-Lopez R, Perez JM, Balsera AM, Rodriguez GG, Moreno TH, Garcia de Caceres M, Serrano MG, Freijo FC, Ruiz JR, Angueira FB, Perez PM, Estevez MN, Gomez EG. The modifier effect of the BDNF gene in the phenotype of the WAGRO syndrome. Gene. 2013 Mar 10;516(2):285-90. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.11.073. Epub 2012 Dec 21.
- Sears C, Markie D, Olds R, Fitches A. Evidence of associations between bipolar disorder and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. Bipolar Disord. 2011 Nov-Dec;13(7-8):630-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2011.00955.x.
- Shinawi M, Sahoo T, Maranda B, Skinner SA, Skinner C, Chinault C, Zascavage R, Peters SU, Patel A, Stevenson RE, Beaudet AL. 11p14.1 microdeletions associated with ADHD, autism, developmental delay, and obesity. Am J Med Genet A. 2011 Jun;155A(6):1272-80. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33878. Epub 2011 May 12.
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