Function and application of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursors (Review)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) is integral to human disease pathogenesis.
• proBDNF influences apoptosis, synaptic plasticity, immune function, and metabolism via p75NTR and sortilin receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of proBDNF in disease pathogenesis.
• To highlight proBDNF's diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing proBDNF's role in various diseases.
• Analysis of proBDNF's involvement in cognitive and inflammatory disorders.
• Examination of proBDNF's function in neurogenesis and behavior.

Main Results:

• proBDNF significantly impacts cognitive disorders, inflammatory diseases, and tumor progression.
• proBDNF regulates neurogenesis, fear memory, and behavioral flexibility.
• proBDNF interactions with p75NTR and sortilin receptors are key to its functions.

Conclusions:

• proBDNF is a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis.
• Targeting proBDNF with monoclonal antibodies presents therapeutic opportunities.
• Further research is needed for translational medical applications of proBDNF.