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Published on: September 20, 2024
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Production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gates plasticity in developing visual cortex
Megumi Kaneko1, Michael P Stryker1
1Department of Physiology and Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production precedes visual response recovery in mice. This suggests BDNF is crucial for restoring vision after deprivation, particularly during critical developmental periods.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Visual System Research
Background:
- Previous work established TrkB receptor phosphorylation for BDNF is essential for visual response recovery in mice.
- The current study investigates the timing of mature BDNF production relative to visual response recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the temporal relationship between mature BDNF production and visual response recovery.
- To understand BDNF's role in restoring visual function after eye occlusion during the critical period.
Main Methods:
- Comparing visual response recovery rates after eye reopening versus reverse occlusion (patch therapy model).
- Monitoring mature BDNF production and physiological recovery under different visual deprivation conditions.
- Interfering with TrkB receptor activation and BDNF production to assess their impact on recovery.
Main Results:
- Visual responses recovered faster with binocular vision than with reverse occlusion (over 18h difference).
- Mature BDNF production consistently preceded physiological recovery in both conditions.
- Interfering with TrkB or BDNF production impaired recovery, supporting BDNF's permissive role.
Conclusions:
- A surge in BDNF production appears necessary for restoring visual responses by enabling the growth of connections for the deprived eye.
- BDNF signaling through TrkB is critical for visual plasticity and recovery during the critical period.
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