title: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a dynamic gatekeeper of neural plasticity.
abstract: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family of structurally related proteins that promote neuronal differentiation and survival during development, is a potent modulator of synaptic plasticity. Changes in BDNF expression, release and neuromodulatory activity, mediated by both epigenetic and post-translational mechanisms, have been associated with many pathological conditions and developmental experiences, such as maternal deprivation and environmental enrichment. Much effort has been devoted to studying plasticity in the hippocampus, a structure traditionally associated with learning and memory, yet there is increasing empirical support for the contribution of another structure--the amygdala--to BDNF-induced changes. Because the amygdala is a critical site for emotional memory formation, and many emotional and neurodevelopmental pathologies have been linked to amygdala-based abnormalities, considerable efforts have been devoted to the characterization of its circuitry. Here we review the role of BDNF as a biochemical integrator of convergent cellular signals, and as a central driver of neural plasticity. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of characterizing BDNF signaling cascades in behaviorally-relevant networks, to identify potential drug targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Kiriana K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Cowansage
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: LeDoux
authors.forename: Marie-H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Monfils
mesh_terms: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008568:Memory; D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D000099229:RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D000099229:RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor