Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Gait Analysis of Age-dependent Motor Impairments in Mice with Neurodegeneration
Published on: June 18, 2018
Walking speed decline in older adults is associated with elevated pro-BDNF in plasma extracellular vesicles
Caitlin N Suire1, Erez Eitan1, Nancy Chiles Shaffer2
1Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging on Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
Background:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is produced by cleavage of proBDNF, and BDNF and proBDNF may play antagonistic roles in nervous system development, learning, memory and neuronal stress resistance. BDNF and proBDNF are present in blood, but the origin and relative contributions of soluble and extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated levels are unknown.
Methods:
In this study we used validated immunoassays to measure proBDNF and BDNF levels in plasma, total plasma EVs and a subpopulation of EVs enriched for neuronal origin (expressing the neuronal marker L1CAM) in 150 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants with and without decline in walking speed (reflecting aging-associated motor decline).
Results:
Levels of BDNF and proBDNF were highest in L1CAM+ EVs. Participants with walking speed decline had higher levels of proBDNF in L1CAM+ EVs compared to non-decliners, but no differences in proBDNF levels in plasma and total EV.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that levels of proBDNF and BDNF in circulating L1CAM+ EVs might be used as biomarkers for conditions involving altered BDNF signaling.
More Related Videos
07:27Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
11:44Cellular Membrane Affinity Chromatography Columns to Identify Specialized Plant Metabolites Interacting with Immobilized Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor B
Published on: January 19, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Neural Regulation
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...