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TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway and its small molecular agonists in CNS injury

Yujin Wang1, Jing Liang2, Boyu Xu1

  • 1Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.

Life Sciences
|November 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB are vital for central nervous system (CNS) health and repair. This review explores BDNF/TrkB signaling in CNS damage and potential therapeutic agonists.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • BDNF exerts its functions by binding to its receptor, Tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB).
  • The BDNF/TrkB pathway is essential for neuronal survival, structural plasticity, and synaptic modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the expression patterns and mechanisms of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in CNS damage.
  • To introduce novel small molecule TrkB receptor agonists for therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on BDNF/TrkB signaling in CNS injury.
  • Analysis of research on small molecule TrkB agonists.

Main Results:

  • The BDNF/TrkB pathway is critical for neuronal survival and plasticity following CNS injury.
  • Dysregulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling is implicated in neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic disorders.
  • Several small molecule TrkB agonists have been developed, showing therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding BDNF/TrkB mechanisms offers novel therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Small molecule TrkB agonists represent a promising avenue for treating CNS damage and neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factorSmall molecular TrkB agonistsSpinal cord injuryTraumatic brain injuryTropomyosin-related kinase receptor B

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