New insights into the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in synaptic plasticity.
Substantial evidence indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity. Long-lasting synaptic plasticity is restricted to active synapses and requires new protein synthesis. Recent work has identified local protein synthesis as an important source for new protein during the expression of enduring synaptic plasticity. This review discusses recent progress in understanding the mechanisms that restrict the action of BDNF to active synapses and by which BDNF mediates chemical and structural modifications of individual synapses, placing an emphasis on the role of local protein synthesis in these processes.
Waterhouse
Emily G
EG
Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
Xu
Baoji
B
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D049229:Dendritic Spines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism; D020813:Receptor, trkB / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D020813:Receptor, trkB