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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism, human memory, and synaptic neuroplasticity
Yvette N Lamb1, Nicole S McKay1, Christopher S Thompson1
1School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 12, 2015
Summary
Genetic variations impact memory. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism influences memory by affecting synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation) and brain structure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Memory performance varies significantly among individuals, with a substantial portion attributed to genetic inheritance.
- Long-term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity, is a key mechanism for memory formation in neural circuits.
- Genetic factors influencing LTP are hypothesized to affect memory abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the phenomenon of long-term potentiation (LTP) and its study in animal models.
- To discuss the translation of LTP research to human studies.
- To investigate the effect of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism on LTP, brain structure, and memory performance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LTP in non-human animals and humans.
- Examination of studies investigating the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
- Analysis of how this polymorphism affects synaptic plasticity, neural structure, and mnemonic performance.
Main Results:
- The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is a significant genetic factor influencing human memory.
- This polymorphism affects both acute synaptic plasticity (LTP) and the structural development of neural systems.
- The influence of BDNF on memory performance is mediated through both functional and structural changes in the brain.
Conclusions:
- The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism plays a crucial role in modulating memory abilities.
- Understanding the impact of BDNF on LTP and brain structure provides insights into the genetic basis of memory.
- Further research in humans is essential to fully elucidate the mechanisms linking BDNF, plasticity, and memory.
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