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Exercise as Gene Therapy: BDNF and DNA Damage Repair
Robin H Schmidt1, John M Nickerson, Jeffrey H Boatright
1From the *Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; and †Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|August 5, 2016
Summary
Exercise may promote DNA damage repair (DDR) in the brain, crucial for neuronal survival in neurodegenerative diseases. This review explores how brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA damage is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, necessitating effective repair mechanisms for neuronal survival.
- Current therapeutic strategies focus on repairing DNA lesions to prevent or slow disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of exercise in promoting DNA damage repair (DDR) within the brain.
- To discuss the molecular mechanisms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its potential influence on DDR.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on DNA damage, neurodegeneration, exercise, and BDNF.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking BDNF to DNA repair pathways.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests physical activity may impact clinical outcomes in neurodegenerative conditions.
- The specific role of exercise in modulating brain DDR remains largely uncharacterized.
Conclusions:
- Understanding BDNF's role in DDR could reveal exercise as a viable strategy for neuroprotection.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which exercise influences brain DDR.
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