The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism is a Relevant, But not Determinant, Risk Factor in the Etiology of Neuropsychiatric
Gilmara Gomes de Assis1,2, Jay R Hoffman3
1Laboratory of Endocrinology, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Abstract:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the brain's most-produced neurotrophin during the lifespan, essentially involved in multiple mechanisms of nervous system development and function. The production/release of BDNF requires multi-stage processing that appears to be regulated at various stages in which the presence of a polymorphism "Val66Met" can exert a critical influence.
Aim:
To synthesize the knowledge on the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on intracellular processing and function of BDNF.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review and collected all available studies on the post-translation processes of BDNF, regarding the Val66Met polymorphism. Searches were performed up to 21st March 2021.
Results:
Out of 129 eligible papers, 18 studies addressed or had findings relating to BDNF post-translation processes and were included in this review.
Discussion:
Compilation of experimental findings reveals that the Val66Met polymorphism affects BDNF function by slightly altering the processing, distribution, and regulated release of BDNF. Regarding the critical role of pro-BDNF as a pro-apoptotic factor, such alteration might represent a risk for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.
