This gene encodes a member of the nerve growth factor family of proteins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protein. Binding of this protein to its cognate receptor promotes neuronal survival in the adult brain. Expression of this gene is reduced in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease patients. This gene may play a role in the regulation of the stress response and in the biology of mood disorders. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015]
Forensic Context
A study in rats and mice demonstrated that the BDNF mRNA and protein levels increased after experimental traumatic brain injury, with elevated protein primarily localized to microglia in the hippocampus, suggesting a neuroprotective role [Dash et al. DOI:10.23/B:NERE.0000023614.30084.eb]. A study in humans demonstrated that the expression of six long noncoding RNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly down-regulated in patients with major depressive disorder compared to healthy controls, with expression levels being markedly lower in patients exhibiting suicidal ideation or a past suicide attempt [Cui et al. DOI:10.1002/brb3.711].