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An Improved Protocol to Purify and Directly Mono-Biotinylate Recombinant BDNF in a Tube for Cellular Trafficking Studies in Neurons
Published on: July 11, 2020
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Targeting BDNF/TrkB pathways for preventing or suppressing epilepsy.
Thiri W Lin1, Stephen C Harward2, Yang Zhong Huang3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Neuropharmacology
|August 5, 2019
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB play a role in epilepsy development after brain injury or status epilepticus (SE). Targeting this pathway may offer new epilepsy prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epileptology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and status epilepticus (SE) are known precursors to human epilepsy.
- Convergent molecular mechanisms are increasingly recognized in epileptogenesis following distinct neurological insults.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling represent a key pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiological role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in epilepsy development.
- To examine evidence from animal models of TBI and SE-induced epilepsy.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the BDNF/TrkB pathway for epilepsy prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing data on BDNF/TrkB signaling in epileptogenesis.
- Analysis of findings from axonal injury and SE epilepsy animal models.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications and future directions.
Main Results:
- The BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway is implicated in the molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis.
- Animal models demonstrate the relevance of BDNF/TrkB in TBI- and SE-induced epilepsy.
- Modulating BDNF/TrkB signaling presents a promising avenue for novel anti-epileptic therapies.
Conclusions:
- BDNF/TrkB signaling is a critical mediator in the development of epilepsy post-insult.
- Targeting BDNF/TrkB offers potential for both preventing epilepsy and suppressing its progression.
- This pathway represents a significant target for developing next-generation epilepsy therapies.
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