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Sex differences in brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling: Functions and implications
Yi-Chao Wei1,2, Shao-Ran Wang1,2, Xiao-Hong Xu1
1Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|November 22, 2016
Summary
Sex influences brain function by altering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Understanding these sex differences in BDNF is crucial for addressing neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is vital for neuronal survival, differentiation, and plasticity.
- Sexual differentiation of the brain involves molecular events that interact with BDNF signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review hormonal and epigenetic mechanisms by which biological sex influences BDNF signaling.
- To examine how sex-specific BDNF regulation impacts sexually dimorphic neural circuits.
- To discuss implications of sex differences in BDNF for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on BDNF signaling and sex differences in the brain.
Main Results:
- Sex influences BDNF signaling through hormonal and epigenetic mechanisms.
- Sex-specific BDNF regulation supports male-specific behaviors in rats (genital reflexes) and birds (song production).
- Sex differences in BDNF signaling contribute to gender-biased disease presentation, such as in Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- Sex profoundly influences brain function via complex interactions with BDNF signaling.
- Further research on sex differences in neuroscience is essential.
- Understanding sex-specific BDNF roles is critical for developing targeted treatments for brain disorders.
