Work

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and the development of structural neuronal connectivity

Year: 2010

Type: review

Abstract: During development, neural networks are established in a highly organized manner, which persists throughout life. Neurotrophins play crucial roles in the developing nervous system. Among the neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is highly conserved in gene structure and function during vertebrate evolution, and serves an important role during brain development and in synaptic plasticity. BDNF participates in the formation of appropriate synaptic connections in the brain, and disruptions in this process contribute to disorders of cognitive function. In this review, we first briefly highlight current knowledge on the expression, regulation, and secretion of BDNF. Further, we provide an overview of the possible actions of BDNF in the development of neural circuits, with an emphasis on presynaptic actions of BDNF during the structural development of central neurons.

Source: Developmental Neurobiology

DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20774

Authors: Susana Cohen‐Cory, Adhanet H. Kidane, Nicole J. Shirkey, Sonya Marshak

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Language: English

Topic: Nerve injury and regeneration

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: March of Dimes Foundation, National Eye Institute

Award: Trophic interactions during visual system development