Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mental disorders

Biomed J. 2020 Apr;43(2):134-142. doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.01.001. Epub 2020 May 5.

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that modulates neuroplasticity in the brain, and is one of the most widely investigated molecule in psychiatric disorders. The researches of BDNF emcompassed the advance of investigative techniques of past decades. BDNF researches ranged from protein quantilization, to RNA expression measurements, to DNA sequencing, and lately but not lastly, epigenetic studies. In this review, we will briefly address findings on BDNF protein levels, mRNA expression, Val66Met polymorphism, and epigenetic modifications, in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Epigenetics; Major depressive disorder; Proteomics; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bipolar Disorder / genetics*
  • Bipolar Disorder / metabolism
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / genetics*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / metabolism
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Schizophrenia / genetics*
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor