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BDNF val66met polymorphism is associated with modified experience-dependent plasticity in human motor cortex.
Jeffrey A Kleim1, Sheila Chan, Erin Pringle
1Brain Research Rehabilitation Center, Malcom Randall VA Hospital, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Florida 32608, USA. jkleim@ufl.edu
Nature Neuroscience
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences motor cortex plasticity. A specific BDNF gene variant (val66met) reduces the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor control
- Human physiology
Background:
- Motor training induces significant neuroplasticity in the primary motor cortex.
- This plasticity involves alterations in corticospinal tract output and motor map organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mediating motor cortex plasticity.
- To examine how the val66met polymorphism in the BDNF gene affects motor learning and cortical reorganization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess motor cortex excitability and map reorganization.
- Compared motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and motor map changes in healthy subjects with and without the BDNF val66met polymorphism after motor training.
Main Results:
- Subjects with the BDNF val66met polymorphism exhibited reduced training-induced increases in MEP amplitude.
- Motor map reorganization following motor training was also diminished in subjects carrying the val66met polymorphism.
- These findings indicate a significant impact of the BDNF polymorphism on experience-dependent plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in the neuroplasticity of the human motor cortex.
- The val66met polymorphism in the BDNF gene impairs the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize following motor training.
- BDNF is essential for mediating experience-dependent changes in motor cortical function.