Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to a family of proteins called neurotrophic factors. Neurotrophic factors are responsible for the growth and survival of nerve cells during development, and for the maintenance of adult nerve cells. Animal studies and test tube (in vitro) models have shown that certain neurotrophic factors are capable of making damaged nerve cells regrow. Because of this capability, these factors represent exciting possibilities for reversing a number of devastating brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, and HD. (For more information on how HD relates to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, click here.) Currently, scientists are looking for ways to harness neurotrophic factors and somehow induce the damaged nerve cells to regrow in order to improve the symptoms of people with neurological disorders. BDNF is particularly relevant to HD because a lack of BDNF has recently been implicated in the degenerative process of HD. Somehow, the mutant huntingtin protein of HD invariably leads to the death of striatal nerve cells. Researchers have recently discovered a link between mutant huntingtin, excitotoxicity , and BDNF. More specifically, mutant huntingtin lowers levels of BDNF, making nerve cells more susceptible to injury and death. It is possible, therefore, that therapeutic approaches aimed at increasing BDNF production may be able to counteract the effects of mutant huntingtin and prevent a significant amount of the neurodegeneration that would otherwise occur in HD.

• What role does BDNF play in the HD disease cascade?
• How does BDNF work?
• What is the role of exercise in promoting BDNF production?
• Can BDNF be used to treat HD?

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Last Modified: 12-23-05

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