Shaping neurons: Long and short range effects of mature and proBDNF signalling upon neuronal structure

Both mature BDNF and its precursor, proBDNF, play a crucial role in shaping neurons and contributing to the structural basis for neuronal connectivity. They do so in a largely opposing manner, and through differential engagement with their receptors. In this review, we will summarise the evidence that BDNF modulates neural circuit formation in vivo both within the central and peripheral nervous systems, through the control of neuronal morphology. The underlying intracellular mechanisms that translate BDNF signalling into changes of neuronal cell shape will be described. In addition, the signalling pathways that act either locally at the site of BDNF action, or over long distances to influence gene transcription will be discussed. These mechanisms begin to explain the diversity of actions that BDNF carries out on neuronal morphology. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.