Potential therapeutic uses of BDNF in neurological and psychiatric disorders
Alan H Nagahara1, Mark H Tuszynski
1Center for Neural Repair, Department of Neurosciences 0626, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
Abstract:
The growth factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin-related kinase receptor type B (TRKB) are actively produced and trafficked in multiple regions in the adult brain, where they influence neuronal activity, function and survival throughout life. The diverse presence and activity of BDNF suggests a potential role for this molecule in the pathogenesis and treatment of both neurological and psychiatric disorders. This article reviews the current understanding and future directions in BDNF-related research in the central nervous system, with an emphasis on the possible therapeutic application of BDNF in modifying fundamental processes underlying neural disease.
