Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms shape cortical plasticity in humans

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Neuroplasticity

Background:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences synaptic plasticity and externally induced brain plasticity.
• The Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene has been shown to impair plasticity induced by intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism affects neuroplasticity induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS).
• To compare the impact of the BDNF polymorphism across different neurostimulation techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 64 subjects.
• Categorization of subjects based on BDNF genotype: Val66Met allele, Val66Val allele, and Met66Met carriers.
• Assessment of neuroplasticity responses to iTBS, facilitatory tDCS, inhibitory tDCS, and tRNS in relation to BDNF genotype.

Main Results:

• Neuroplasticity induced by iTBS was only observed in Val66Val allele carriers.
• Val66Met allele carriers showed enhanced plasticity with both facilitatory and inhibitory tDCS.
• The effect of BDNF polymorphism on plasticity was less pronounced with transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS).

Conclusions:

• BDNF polymorphism significantly influences human brain plasticity, with effects varying based on the neurostimulation method.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering BDNF genotype in future neuroplasticity studies.
• Understanding the BDNF impact on plasticity has implications for treating neuropsychiatric disorders using transcranial stimulation tools.