proBDNF negatively regulates neuronal remodeling, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity in hippocampus

Reduction in BDNF from Inefficient Precursor Conversion Influences Nest Building and Promotes Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice

We generated a knock-in mouse line in which the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) was replaced with a sequence for proBDNF containing human single nucleotide polymorphisms encoding arginines proximal to the cleavage site (R125M and R127L). The ratio of the mature form of BDNF (mBDNF) to precursor BDNF (proBDNF) in hippocampal tissue lysates was decreased in a manner dependent on the number of copies of the mutant gene, indicating that the mutations inhibited proteolytic conversion of proBDNF into mBDNF. Although homozygous mice had a proBDNF/mBDNF ratio of ~9:1, they survived until adulthood. The levels of mBDNF were reduced by 57% in heterozygous mutant mice, which exhibited a depressive-like behavior in the tail suspension test and weight gain when housed in social isolation, showing that impaired proBDNF cleavage contributes to stress-induced depressive-like phenotypes. Furthermore, socially isolated heterozygous mice displayed a pronounced deficit in daily nest-building behaviors. These findings suggest that the decreased production of mBDNF by impaired proBDNF cleavage disturbs daily activities in mice.

Astrocytic BDNF and TrkB regulate severity and neuronal activity in mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy

Astrocytes have emerged as crucial regulators of neuronal network activity, synapse formation, and underlying behavioral and cognitive processes. Despite some pathways have been identified, the communication between astrocytes and neurons remains to be completely elucidated. Unraveling this communication is crucial to design potential treatments for neurological disorders like temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The BDNF and TrkB molecules have emerged as very promising therapeutic targets. However, their modulation can be accompanied by several off-target effects such as excitotoxicity in case of uncontrolled upregulation or dementia, amnesia, and other memory disorders in case of downregulation. Here, we show that BDNF and TrkB from astrocytes modulate neuronal dysfunction in TLE models. First, conditional overexpression of BDNF from astrocytes worsened the phenotype in the lithium-pilocarpine mouse model. Our evidences pointed out to the astrocytic pro-BDNF isoform as a major player of this altered phenotype. Conversely, specific genetic deletion of BDNF in astrocytes prevented the increase in the number of firing neurons and the global firing rate in an in vitro model of TLE. Regarding to the TrkB, we generated mice with a genetic deletion of TrkB specifically in hippocampal neurons or astrocytes. Interestingly, both lines displayed neuroprotection in the lithium-pilocarpine model but only the mice with genetic deletion of TrkB in astrocytes showed significantly preserved spatial learning skills. These data identify the astrocytic BDNF and TrkB molecules as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of TLE.

The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an abundant and multi-function neurotrophin in the brain. It is released following neuronal activity and is believed to be particularly important in strengthening neural networks. A common variation in the BDNF gene, a valine to methionine substitution at codon 66 (Val66Met), has been linked to differential expression of BDNF associated with experience-dependent plasticity. The Met allele has been associated with reduced production of BDNF following neuronal stimulation, which suggests a potential role of this variation with respect to how the nervous system may respond to challenges, such as brain ageing and related neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., dementia and Alzheimer’s disease). The current review examines the potential of the BDNF Val66Met variation to modulate an individual’s susceptibility and trajectory through cognitive changes associated with ageing and dementia. On balance, research to date indicates that the BDNF Met allele at this codon is potentially associated with a detrimental influence on the level of cognitive functioning in older adults and may also impart increased risk of progression to dementia. Furthermore, recent studies also show that this genetic variation may modulate an individual’s response to interventions targeted at building cognitive resilience to conditions that cause dementia.

m-Trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide (m-CF3-PhSe)2 modulates the hippocampal neurotoxic adaptations and abolishes a depressive-like phenotype in a short-term morphine withdrawal in mice

The opioid withdrawal syndrome is defined as a complex phenomenon involving multiple cellular adaptations, which leads to the emergence of aversive physical and affective signs. The m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ elicits an antidepressant-like effect by modulating the opioid system in different animal models of mood disorders. Notably, repeated exposure to (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ developed neither tolerance nor withdrawal signs in mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ attenuates the physical signs and the depressive-like phenotype during morphine withdrawal through its neuroprotective effects on oxidative stress, the NMDA receptor and the proBDNF/mBDNF signaling in the hippocampus of mice. Adult Swiss mice received saline solution or escalating doses (20-100 mg/kg, sc) of morphine for six days. For the next three days, the animals were treated with canola oil, (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ (5 and 10 mg/kg, ig) or methadone (5 mg/kg, sc) whereas morphine injections were discontinued. On day 9, physical withdrawal signs and depressive-like behavior were assessed 30 min after the last administration of (m-CF₃-PhSe)_2. Although short-term treatment with (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ at both doses suppressed the aversive physical and affective signs in morphine withdrawn-mice, the highest dose of (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ per se increased the teeth chattering manifestation. The intrinsic antioxidant property of (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ modulated oxidative stress, it also restored the NMDA receptor levels in the hippocampus of morphine withdrawn-mice. Besides, (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ downregulated the proBDNF/p-75^NTR/JNK pro-apoptotic pathway without affecting the mBDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB pro-survival signaling in the hippocampus of morphine withdrawn-mice. The results show that (m-CF₃-PhSe)₂ treatment modulated the hippocampal neurotoxic adaptations and abolished the depressive-like phenotype following morphine withdrawal in mice.

Proprotein convertase 1/3-mediated down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cortical neurons induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has robust effects on synaptogenesis, neuronal differentiation and synaptic transmission and plasticity. The maturation of BDNF is a complex process. Proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) has a key role in the cleavage of protein precursors that are directed to regulated secretory pathways; however, it is not clear whether PC1/3 mediates the change in BDNF levels caused by ischemia. To clarify the role of PC1/3 in BDNF maturation in ischemic cortical neurons, primary cortical neurons from fetal rats were cultured in a humidified environment of 95% N₂ and 5% CO₂ in a glucose-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium at 37°C for 3 hours. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blotting showed that after oxygen-glucose deprivation, the secreted and intracellular levels of BDNF were significantly reduced and the intracellular level of PC1/3 was decreased. Transient transfection of cortical neurons with a PC1/3 overexpression plasmid followed by oxygen-glucose deprivation resulted in increased PC1/3 levels and increased BDNF levels. When levels of the BDNF precursor protein were reduced, the concentration of BDNF in the culture medium was increased. These results indicate that PC1/3 cleavage of BDNF is critical for the conversion of pro-BDNF in rat cortical neurons during ischemia. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences.

Transcriptional and epigenetic changes of brain derived neurotrophic factor following prenatal stress: A systematic review of animal studies

Gestational period plays critical role in neuropsychological development. One of the genes that undergoes changes by prenatal stress (PNS) exposure, is the gene coding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Studies have reported different patterns of change following PNS in BDNF, which emphasizes the complexity of the issue. In this review, systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL databases was performed. Primary searches resulted in 2132 studies and finally 43 studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Transcriptional and epigenetic changes of BDNF gene in the brain were recorded. Decreased or unchanged BDNF total mRNA and BDNF mature protein, with hypermethylation of the coding exons were the most reported changes. However, stress paradigm, gender of the fetus and the day of sacrifice were found to significantly affect the results. Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are the most vulnerable regions. They can show long lasting and persistent transcriptional and epigenetics changes of BDNF gene following PNS. Further studies evaluating the importance of these findings in humans are essential.

Sleep Deprivation Disrupts Acquisition of Contextual Fear Extinction by Affecting Circadian Oscillation of Hippocampal-Infralimbic proBDNF

Extensive evidence showed that mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) levels displayed a circadian pattern. Circadian disruption, for example, sleep deprivation (SD), induced functional and behavioral deficits. However, compared with that of mature form, the biological role of the pro-peptide, proBDNF, was poorly understood. Here, we found that proBDNF was expressed under circadian rhythm in the ventral hippocampus (vHPC). SD rats exhibited deficits in acquisition of conditioned extinction and damped rhythmicity in vHPC proBDNF activity that were accompanied by SD between zeitgeber time (ZT)0 and ZT4, but not the late stage of sleep period. Furthermore, SD affected fear extinction through vHPC-IL proBDNF signaling, which was associated with NR2B subunits of NMDA receptors. More importantly, infusion of proBDNF could mitigate SD-induced abnormal neural activity, by suppressing the enhanced basal firing rate of IL-RS and elevating the depressed neural response that evoked by acquisition of conditioned extinction. Therefore, this finding provided the first evidence that circadian oscillation of vHPC proBDNF activity contributed to the effects of SD on acquisition of conditioned fear extinction, and suggested a new therapeutic target to reverse the cognitive deficits in sleep-related mental disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Recent advances in understanding context-dependent mechanisms controlling neurotrophin signaling and function

Complex mechanisms control the signaling of neurotrophins through p75 NTR and Trk receptors, allowing cellular responses that are highly context dependent, particularly in the nervous system and particularly with regard to the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Recent reports describe a variety of sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that contribute to such functional flexibility. Mechanisms described include regulation of trafficking of alternative BDNF transcripts, regulation of post-translational processing and secretion of BDNF, engagement of co-receptors that influence localization and signaling of p75 NTR and Trk receptors, and control of trafficking of receptors in the endocytic pathway and during anterograde and retrograde axonal transport.

The p75NTR neurotrophin receptor is required to organize the mature neuromuscular synapse by regulating synaptic vesicle availability

The coordinated movement of organisms relies on efficient nerve-muscle communication at the neuromuscular junction. After peripheral nerve injury or neurodegeneration, motor neurons and Schwann cells increase the expression of the p75NTR pan-neurotrophin receptor. Even though p75NTR targeting has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to delay peripheral neuronal damage progression, the effects of long-term p75NTR inhibition at the mature neuromuscular junction have not been elucidated. We performed quantitative neuroanathomical analyses of the neuromuscular junction in p75NTR null mice by laser confocal and electron microscopy, which were complemented with electromyography, locomotor tests, and pharmacological intervention studies. Mature neuromuscular synapses of p75NTR null mice show impaired postsynaptic organization and ultrastructural complexity, which correlate with altered synaptic function at the levels of nerve activity-induced muscle responses, muscle fiber structure, force production, and locomotor performance. Our results on primary myotubes and denervated muscles indicate that muscle-derived p75NTR does not play a major role on postsynaptic organization. In turn, motor axon terminals of p75NTR null mice display a strong reduction in the number of synaptic vesicles and active zones. According to the observed pre and postsynaptic defects, pharmacological acetylcholinesterase inhibition rescued nerve-dependent muscle response and force production in p75NTR null mice. Our findings revealing that p75NTR is required to organize mature neuromuscular junctions contribute to a comprehensive view of the possible effects caused by therapeutic attempts to target p75NTR.

Reversal of Cognitive Impairment in gp120 Transgenic Mice by the Removal of the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor

Activation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), by the proneurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF), triggers loss of synapses and promotes neuronal death. These pathological features are also caused by the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) envelope protein gp120, which increases the levels of proBDNF. To establish whether p75NTR plays a role in gp120-mediated neurite pruning, we exposed primary cultures of cortical neurons from p75NTR^–/– mice to gp120. We found that the lack of p75NTR expression significantly reduced gp120-mediated neuronal cell death. To determine whether knocking down p75NTR is neuroprotective in vivo, we intercrossed gp120 transgenic (tg) mice with p75NTR heterozygous mice to obtain gp120tg mice lacking one or two p75NTR alleles. The removal of p75NTR alleles inhibited gp120-mediated decrease of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus, as measured by the levels of PSD95 and subunits of the N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor in synaptosomes. Moreover, the deletion of only one copy of the p75NTR gene was sufficient to restore the cognitive impairment observed in gp120tg mice. Our data suggest that activation of p75NTR is one of the mechanisms crucial for the neurotoxic effect of gp120. These data indicate that p75NTR antagonists could provide an adjunct therapy against synaptic simplification caused by HIV.

The Influence of the Val66Met Polymorphism of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Neurological Function after Traumatic Brain Injury

Functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) vary widely across patients with apparently similar injuries. This variability hinders prognosis, therapy, and clinical innovation. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) that influence outcome after TBI have been identified. These discoveries create opportunities to personalize therapy and stratify clinical trials. Both of these changes would propel clinical innovation in the field. This review focuses on one of most well-characterized of these SNPs, the Val66Met SNP in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. This SNP influences neurological function in healthy subjects as well as TBI patients and patients with similar acute insults to the central nervous system. A host of other patient-specific factors including ethnicity, age, gender, injury severity, and post-injury time point modulate this influence. These interactions confound efforts to define a simple relationship between this SNP and TBI outcomes. The opportunities and challenges associated with personalizing TBI therapy around this SNP and other similar SNPs are discussed in light of these results.

Developmental nicotine exposure elicits multigenerational disequilibria in proBDNF proteolysis and glucocorticoid signaling in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi of adolescent mice

Maternal smoking of conventional or vapor cigarettes during pregnancy, a form of developmental nicotine exposure (DNE), enhances the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia in children. Modeling the multigenerational effects of smoking during pregnancy and nursing in the first- (F1) and second- (F2) generation adolescent offspring of oral nicotine-treated female C57BL/6J mice, we have previously reported that DNE precipitates intergenerational transmission of nicotine preference, hyperactivity and impulsivity-like behaviors, altered rhythmicity of home cage activity, corticostriatal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and dopamine transporter dysfunction, and corticostriatal global DNA methylome deficits. In aggregate, these DNE-evoked behavioral, neuropharmacological, and epigenomic anomalies mirror fundamental etiological aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia. Expanding this line of research, the current study profiled the multigenerational neurotrophic and neuroendocrine consequences of DNE. Results reveal impaired proBDNF proteolysis as indicated by proBDNF-BDNF imbalance, downregulation of the proBDNF processing enzyme furin, atypical glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity as implied by decreased relative nuclear GR localization, and deficient basal plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels in adolescent DNE offspring and grandoffspring. Collectively, these data recapitulate the BDNF deficits and HPA axis dysregulation characteristic of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia as well as the children of maternal smokers. Notably, as BDNF is a quintessential mediator of neurodevelopment, our prior findings of multigenerational DNE-induced behavioral and neuropharmacological abnormalities may stem from neurodevelopmental insults conferred by the proBDNF-BDNF imbalance detected in DNE mice. Similarly, our findings of multigenerational GR hypoactivity may contribute to the increased risk-taking behaviors and aberrant circadian rhythmicity of home cage activity that we previously documented in first- and second-generation DNE mice.

Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's Disease: Has the Light Dawned?

Next to cancer, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia is probably the most worrying health problem facing the Western world today. A large number of clinical trials have failed to show any benefit of the tested drugs in stabilizing or reversing the steady decline in cognitive function that is suffered by dementia patients. Although the pathological features of AD consisting of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles are well established, considerable debate exists concerning the genetic or lifestyle factors that predispose individuals to developing dementia. Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the therapeutic use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and prevent tissue from dying. In recent years PBM has been applied for a diverse range of brain disorders, frequently applied in a non-invasive manner by shining light on the head (transcranial PBM). The present review discusses the mechanisms of action of tPBM in the brain, and summarizes studies that have used tPBM to treat animal models of AD. The results of a limited number of clinical trials that have used tPBM to treat patients with AD and dementia are discussed.

Interactions of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Regulation of Behaviors after Nicotine Administration

Nicotine causes tobacco dependence, which may result in fatal respiratory diseases. The striatum is a key structure of forebrain basal nuclei associated with nicotine dependence. In the striatum, glutamate release is increased when α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in the glutamatergic terminals are exposed to nicotine, and over-stimulates glutamate receptors in gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons. These receptor over-stimulations in turn potentiate GABAergic outputs to forebrain basal nuclei and contribute to the increase in psychomotor behaviors associated with nicotine dependence. In parallel with glutamate increases, nicotine exposure elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release through anterograde and retrograde targeting of the synapses of glutamatergic terminals and GABAergic neurons. This article reviews nicotine-exposure induced elevations of glutamatergic neurotransmission, the bidirectional targeting of BDNF in the striatum, and the potential regulatory role played by BDNF in behavioral responses to nicotine exposure.

p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Activation Regulates the Timing of the Maturation of Cortical Parvalbumin Interneuron Connectivity and Promotes Juvenile-like Plasticity in Adult Visual Cortex

By virtue of their extensive axonal arborization and perisomatic synaptic targeting, cortical inhibitory parvalbumin (PV) cells strongly regulate principal cell output and plasticity and modulate experience-dependent refinement of cortical circuits during development. An interesting aspect of PV cell connectivity is its prolonged maturation time course, which is completed only by end of adolescence. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) regulates numerous cellular functions; however, its role on cortical circuit development and plasticity remains elusive, mainly because localizing p75NTR expression with cellular and temporal resolution has been challenging. By using RNAscope and a modified version of the proximity ligation assay, we found that p75NTR expression in PV cells decreases between the second and fourth postnatal week, at a time when PV cell synapse numbers increase dramatically. Conditional knockout of p75NTR in single PV neurons in vitro and in PV cell networks in vivo causes precocious formation of PV cell perisomatic innervation and perineural nets around PV cell somata, therefore suggesting that p75NTR expression modulates the timing of maturation of PV cell connectivity in the adolescent cortex. Remarkably, we found that PV cells still express p75NTR in adult mouse cortex of both sexes and that its activation is sufficient to destabilize PV cell connectivity and to restore cortical plasticity following monocular deprivation in vivo Together, our results show that p75NTR activation dynamically regulates PV cell connectivity, and represent a novel tool to foster brain plasticity in adults.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the cortex, inhibitory, GABA-releasing neurons control the output and plasticity of excitatory neurons. Within this diverse group, parvalbumin-expressing (PV) cells form the larger inhibitory system. PV cell connectivity develops slowly, reaching maturity only at the end of adolescence; however, the mechanisms controlling the timing of its maturation are not well understood. We discovered that the expression of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR in PV cells inhibits the maturation of their connectivity in a cell-autonomous fashion, both in vitro and in vivo, and that p75NTR activation in adult PV cells promotes their remodeling and restores cortical plasticity. These results reveal a new p75NTR function in the regulation of the time course of PV cell maturation and in limiting cortical plasticity.

HIV in the cART era and the mitochondrial: immune interface in the CNS

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in the era of effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). A large body of literature suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is a prospective etiology of HAND in the cART era. While viral load is often suppressed and the immune system remains intact in HIV+ patients on cART, evidence suggests that the central nervous system (CNS) acts as a reservoir for virus and low-level expression of viral proteins, which interact with mitochondria. In particular, the HIV proteins glycoprotein 120, transactivator of transcription, viral protein R, and negative factor have each been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain. Moreover, cART drugs have also been shown to have detrimental effects on mitochondrial function. Here, we review the evidence generated from human studies, animal models, and in vitro models that support a role for HIV proteins and/or cART drugs in altered production of adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, calcium signaling and apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, and immunometabolism in the CNS. When insightful, evidence of HIV or cART-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system or other cell types is discussed. Lastly, therapeutic approaches to targeting mitochondrial dysfunction have been summarized with the aim of guiding new investigations and providing hope that mitochondrial-based drugs may provide relief for those suffering with HAND.

p75NTR regulates brain mononuclear cell function and neuronal structure in Toxoplasma infection-induced neuroinflammation

Neurotrophins mediate neuronal growth, differentiation, and survival via tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) or p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75^NTR) signaling. The p75^NTR is not exclusively expressed by neurons but also by certain immune cells, implying a role for neurotrophin signaling in the immune system. In this study, we investigated the effect of p75^NTR on innate immune cell behavior and on neuronal morphology upon chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection‐induced neuroinflammation. Characterization of the immune cells in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS) revealed that innate immune cell subsets in the brain upregulated p75^NTR upon infection in wild‐type mice. Although cell recruitment and phagocytic capacity of p75^NTRexonIV knockout (p75^−/−) mice were not impaired, the activation status of resident microglia and recruited myeloid cell subsets was altered. Importantly, recruited mononuclear cells in brains of infected p75^−/− mice upregulated the production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐6 as well as IL‐1α. Protein levels of proBDNF, known to negatively influence neuronal morphology by binding p75^NTR, were highly increased upon chronic infection in the brain of wild‐type and p75^−/− mice. Moreover, upon infection the activated immune cells contributed to the proBDNF release. Notably, the neuroinflammation‐induced changes in spine density were rescued in the p75^−/− mice. In conclusion, these findings indicate that neurotrophin signaling via the p75^NTR affects innate immune cell behavior, thus, influencing the structural plasticity of neurons under inflammatory conditions.

Treadmill Exercise Reverses Depression Model-Induced Alteration of Dendritic Spines in the Brain Areas of Mood Circuit

Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Exercise has been shown to be effective in the amelioration of depression, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Alterations in the density and morphology of dendritic spines are associated with psychiatric diseases. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is an established animal model of depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether treadmill exercise reverses CUMS-induced both depression-like behaviors and alterations in spine density and morphology of the principal neurons in the brain areas of the mood circuits including the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, CUMS, exercise, and CUMS+exercise. CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors were evaluated by the sucrose preference test (SPT). Golgi staining was used to visualize dendritic spines. Our results showed that CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors characterized by a decrease in sucrose consumption were accompanied by a decrease in spine density and a change in spine morphology in the pyramidal neurons of both the hippocampal CA3 area and the mPFC, and an increase in spine density and an alteration in spine shape in both the NAc medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and the BLA neurons; exercise reversed both CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors and alterations in dendritic spines. This study provides important information for understanding the mechanism through which exercise ameliorates CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors.

A kinetic model for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor mediated spike timing-dependent LTP

Across the mammalian nervous system, neurotrophins control synaptic plasticity, neuromodulation, and neuronal growth. The neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is known to promote structural and functional synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex, and many other brain areas. In recent years, a wealth of data has been accumulated revealing the paramount importance of BDNF for neuronal function. BDNF signaling gives rise to multiple complex signaling pathways that mediate neuronal survival and differentiation during development, and formation of new memories. These different roles of BDNF for neuronal function have essential consequences if BDNF signaling in the brain is reduced. Thus, BDNF knock-out mice or mice that are deficient in BDNF receptor signaling via TrkB and p75 receptors show deficits in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. Accordingly, BDNF signaling dysfunctions are associated with many neurological and neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. However, despite the widespread implications of BDNF-dependent signaling in synaptic plasticity in healthy and pathological conditions, the interplay of the involved different biochemical pathways at the synaptic level remained mostly unknown. In this paper, we investigated the role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) in rodent hippocampus CA1 pyramidal cells, by implementing the first subcellular model of BDNF regulated, spike timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t-LTP). The model is based on previously published experimental findings on STDP and accounts for the observed magnitude, time course, stimulation pattern and BDNF-dependence of t-LTP. It allows interpreting the main experimental findings concerning specific biomolecular processes, and it can be expanded to take into account more detailed biochemical reactions. The results point out a few predictions on how to enhance LTP induction in such a way to rescue or improve cognitive functions under pathological conditions.

Storing memory traces in the brain is essential for learning and memory formation, and it occurs through synaptic plasticity processes. Timing-dependent Long-Term Potentiation (t-LTP) is a physiologically relevant type of synaptic plasticity that results from the repeated sequential firing of action potentials (APs) in pre- and postsynaptic neurons. T-LTP is observed during learning in vivo and is a cellular correlate of memory formation. T-LTP can be elicited by different patterns of combined pre- and postsynaptic activity that recruit distinct synaptic growth processes underlying t-LTP. The protein Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is released at synapses and mediates synaptic plasticity in response to specific patterns of t-LTP stimulation in the theta frequency band, while other patterns mediate BDNF-independent t-LTP. Here, we developed a realistic computational model that accounts for our previously published experimental results of BDNF-independent 1:1 t-LTP (70 repeats of pairing 1 presynaptic with 1 postsynaptic AP) and BDNF-dependent 1:4 t-LTP (25 repeats of pairing 1 presynaptic with 4 postsynaptic APs). The model explains the magnitude and time course of both t-LTP forms and allows predicting t-LTP properties that result from altered BDNF turnover. Since BDNF levels are decreased in demented patients, understanding the function of BDNF in memory processes is important to counteract neurodegenerative diseases.

Mechanisms That Modulate and Diversify BDNF Functions: Implications for Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that has pleiotropic effects on neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity that underlie hippocampal circuit development and cognition. Recent advances established that BDNF function is controlled and diversified by molecular and cellular mechanisms including trafficking and subcellular compartmentalization of different Bdnf mRNA species, pre- vs. postsynaptic release of BDNF, control of BDNF signaling by tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor interactors and conversion of pro-BDNF to mature BDNF and BDNF-propeptide. Defects in these regulatory mechanisms affect dendritic spine formation and morphology of pyramidal neurons as well as synaptic integration of newborn granule cells (GCs) into preexisting circuits of mature hippocampus, compromising the cognitive function. Here, we review recent findings describing novel dynamic mechanisms that diversify and locally control the function of BDNF in hippocampal neurons.

Tactile Stimulation on Adulthood Modifies the HPA Axis, Neurotrophic Factors, and GFAP Signaling Reverting Depression-Like Behavior in Female Rats

Depression is a common psychiatric disease which pharmacological treatment relieves symptoms, but still far from ideal. Tactile stimulation (TS) has shown beneficial influences in neuropsychiatric disorders, but the mechanism of action is not clear. Here, we evaluated the TS influence when applied on adult female rats previously exposed to a reserpine-induced depression-like animal model. Immediately after reserpine model (1 mg/kg/mL, 1×/day, for 3 days), female Wistar rats were submitted to TS (15 min, 3×/day, for 8 days) or not (unhandled). Imipramine (10 mg/kg/mL) was used as positive control. After behavioral assessments, animals were euthanized to collect plasma and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Behavioral observations in the forced swimming test, splash test, and sucrose preference confirmed the reserpine-induced depression-like behavior, which was reversed by TS. Our findings showed that reserpine increased plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B, and increased proBDNF immunoreactivity in the PFC, which were also reversed by TS. Moreover, TS reestablished glial fibrillary acidic protein and glucocorticoid receptor levels, decreased by reserpine in PFC, while glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor was increased by TS per se. Our outcomes are showing that TS applied in adulthood exerts a beneficial influence in depression-like behaviors, modulating the HPA axis and regulating neurotrophic factors more effectively than imipramine. Based on this, our proposal is that TS, in the long term, could be considered a new therapeutic strategy for neuropsychiatric disorders improvement in adult life, which may represent an interesting contribution to conventional pharmacological treatment.

Circular RNA expression and function in the brain

Within the last decade, active research on circular RNAs (circRNAs) has dramatically improved our understanding of the expression and function of these non-coding RNAs. While several mechanisms for circRNA function have been proposed, including sequestration of microRNAs and regulation of cellular proteins, studies provide evidence that circRNAs can regulate transcription and may also serve as biomarkers. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the brain, and the dynamic transcriptional mechanisms that support neurobiological pathways, the influence of circRNAs is potentially extensive. Understanding how circRNAs contribute to key neurological pathways will fill gaps in our understanding of brain function and provide valuable insight into novel therapeutic approaches to treat neurological diseases. Here, we review recent research on circRNA expression in the brain, describe the proposed functions of circRNAs, and evaluate the role of circRNAs in neurological diseases.

LTD at mossy fiber synapses onto stratum lucidum interneurons requires TrkB and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling

Hippocampal mossy fiber axons simultaneously activate CA3 pyramidal cells and stratum lucidum interneurons (SLINs), the latter providing feedforward inhibition to control CA3 pyramidal cell excitability. Filopodial extensions of giant boutons of mossy fibers provide excitatory synaptic input to the SLIN. These filopodia undergo extraordinary structural plasticity causally linked to execution of memory tasks, leading us to seek the mechanisms by which activity regulates these synapses. High-frequency stimulation of the mossy fibers induces long-term depression (LTD) of their calcium-permeable AMPA receptor synapses with SLINs; previous work localized the site of induction to be postsynaptic and the site of expression to be presynaptic. Yet, the underlying signaling events and the identity of the retrograde signal are incompletely understood. We used whole cell recordings of SLINs in hippocampal slices from wild-type and mutant mice to explore the mechanisms. Genetic and pharmacologic perturbations revealed a requirement for both the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB and its agonist, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), for induction of LTD. Inclusion of inhibitors of Trk receptor kinase and PLC in the patch pipette prevented LTD. Endocannabinoid receptor antagonists and genetic deletion of the CB1 receptor prevented LTD. We propose a model whereby release of BDNF from mossy fiber filopodia activates TrkB and PLCγ1 signaling postsynaptically within SLINs, triggering synthesis and release of an endocannabinoid that serves as a retrograde signal, culminating in reduced glutamate release. Insights into the signaling pathways by which activity modifies function of these synapses will facilitate an understanding of their contribution to the local circuit and behavioral consequences of hippocampal granule cell activity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated signaling mechanisms underlying plasticity of the hippocampal mossy fiber filopodial synapse with interneurons in stratum lucidum. High-frequency stimulation of the mossy fibers induces long-term depression of this synapse. Our findings are consistent with a model in which brain-derived neurotrophic factor released from filopodia activates TrkB of a stratum lucidum interneuron; the ensuing activation of PLCγ1 induces synthesis of an endocannabinoid, which provides a retrograde signal leading to reduced release of glutamate presynaptically.

High-Intensity Interval Training on Neuroplasticity, Balance between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Precursor Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Poststroke Depression Rats

BACKGROUND

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves functional and mental health in the patients with stroke. To investigate the potential mechanisms of HIIT on poststroke depression (PSD).

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, Sham, PSD, moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), and HIIT groups. After PSD model was successful made, the maximum speed (Smax) and the blood lactate threshold corresponding speed (S_LT) were measured. Different intensity training protocols were performed on the MICT and HIIT groups, respectively. The behavioral tests (open field, forced swimming, and sucrose preference tests) were performed before and after training. Nissl staining was used to observe the changes of neuronal cell morphology in the left hippocampus. The expression of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), precursor BDNF (proBDNF), pan-neurotrophin receptor 75 (p75NTR), NR2A, NR2B proteins, and BDNF, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) mRNA in the hippocampus were detected by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry or RT-PCR after training.

RESULTS

After 28 days of training, higher center occupancy, immobility time, and level of proBDNF, p75NTR, and NR2B proteins, lower sucrose preference and level of mBDNF, TrkB, NR2A proteins, and BDNF, tPA mRNA were observed in the PSD group. Neuronal cells and Nissl body in the hippocampus were loosely arranged and lightly stained in the PSD group. The ethological findings, Nissl staining especially in the CA1 and dentate gyrus areas, expression of proteins and mRNA above in the MICT and HIIT rats were reversed. And the HIIT group changed more significantly compared with MICT.

CONCLUSIONS

HIIT was superior to MICT in improving depression in the PSD rats might via increasing mBDNF/proBDNF ratio and further improving neural plasticity in the hippocampus.

Amyloid beta soluble forms and plasminogen activation system in Alzheimer's disease: Consequences on extracellular maturation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and therapeutic implications

Soluble oligomeric forms of amyloid beta (Aβ) play an important role in causing the cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by targeting and disrupting synaptic pathways. Thus, the present research is directed toward identifying the neuronal pathways targeted by soluble forms and, accordingly, develops alternative therapeutic strategies. The neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is synthesized as a precursor (pro‐BDNF) which is cleaved extracellularly by plasmin to release the mature form. The conversion from pro‐BDNF to BDNF is an important process that regulates neuronal activity and memory processes. Plasmin‐dependent maturation of BDNF in the brain is regulated by plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), the natural inhibitor of tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA). Therefore, tPA/PAI‐1 system represents an important regulator of extracellular BDNF/pro‐BDNF ratio. In this review, we summarize the data on the components of the plasminogen activation system and on BDNF in AD. Moreover, we will hypothesize a possible pathogenic mechanism caused by soluble Aβ forms based on the effects on tPA/PAI‐1 system and on the consequence of an altered conversion from pro‐BDNF to the mature BDNF in the brain of AD patients. Translation into clinic may include a better characterization of the disease stage and future direction on therapeutic targets.

Sex-dependent effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on executive functioning and processing speed in older adults: evidence from the health ABC study

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism may be an important source of heterogeneity seen in cognitive aging, although the specific relationship between this polymorphism and cognition remains controversial and may depend on the sex of participants. We assessed 2668 older black and white adults and fit linear mixed models to digit symbol substitution test (DSST) performance assessed in years 0 (baseline), 4, 7, and 9 to examine the interaction between sex and BDNF genotype on the intercept (i.e., estimated baseline DSST) and change in DSST over 9 years, adjusted for covariates. Sex interacted with BDNF genotype to predict DSST intercept (F[1,1599] = 7.4, p < 0.01) and 9-year change (F[1,1183] = 4.1, p = 0.04) in white participants only. Initially, white male Val/Val carriers had lower DSST scores (37.6, SE = 0.8) in comparison with male Met carriers (difference, -1.7; 95% CI, -3.2 to -0.3) and female Val/Val carriers (difference, -5.6; 95% CI, -6.8 to -4.3). White female Met carriers showed a slower rate of change (annual rate of change = -0.6, SE = 0.1) in comparison with female Val/Val carriers (difference, -0.2; 95% CI, -0.4 to -0.02) and male Met carriers (difference, -0.3; 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.02). Our findings suggest that BDNF Val66Met and sex should be considered in future endeavors aimed at treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders.

Altered levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, proBDNF and tissue plasminogen activator in children with posttraumatic stress disorder

The current study aims to compare the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels in cases that have developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in consequence of sexual abuse with those in healthy control subjects. Thirty-one female patients between 8 and 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with PTSD due to sexual abuse and thirty-one healthy female volunteer controls were included in the study. Frequency, intensity and severity of PTSD symptoms were assessed on the basis of Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA). Serum BDNF, proBDNF and tPA levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results of the present study revealed that serum levels of BDNF and proBDNF in PTSD group were significantly lower but tPA level was significantly higher as compared to healthy control subjects. There were no correlations between CAPS-CA scores and BDNF, proBDNF and tPA levels. Decreased levels of BDNF, as suggested to have a role in the etiopathogenesis of PTSD, appear to be a result of the reduction in proBDNF production. The increased tPA levels in such cases, on the other hand, can be a compensatory mechanism serving to increase the BDNF levels.

Mechanism of BDNF Modulation in GABAergic Synaptic Transmission in Healthy and Disease Brains

In the mature healthy mammalian neuronal networks, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediates synaptic inhibition by acting on GABA_A and GABA_B receptors (GABA_AR, GABA_BR). In immature networks and during numerous pathological conditions the strength of GABAergic synaptic inhibition is much less pronounced. In these neurons the activation of GABA_AR produces paradoxical depolarizing action that favors neuronal network excitation. The depolarizing action of GABA_AR is a consequence of deregulated chloride ion homeostasis. In addition to depolarizing action of GABA_AR, the GABA_BR mediated inhibition is also less efficient. One of the key molecules regulating the GABAergic synaptic transmission is the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF and its precursor proBDNF, can be released in an activity-dependent manner. Mature BDNF operates via its cognate receptors tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) whereas proBDNF binds the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75^NTR). In this review article, we discuss recent finding illuminating how mBDNF-TrkB and proBDNF-p75^NTR signaling pathways regulate GABA related neurotransmission under physiological conditions and during epilepsy.

Hippocampal proBDNF facilitates place learning strategy associated with neural activity in rats

Mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor has been shown to have a promotive effect on synaptic plasticity and spatial memory. The precursor of BDNF (proBDNF) has emerged as a protein against its mature form. However, it is unknown whether and how proBDNF regulates neural excitability and spatial behavior. Through infusion of cleavage-resistant proBDNF or its antibody into HPC, we sought evidence for the influences by employing multiple behavioral tests and recording hippocampal single-unit activity. Our behavioral findings showed that proBDNF induced beneficial effects on spatial learning by facilitating the use of the place strategy and inhibiting the response strategy, including (1) using more place search strategies but less response strategies, and (2) increasing the number of rats in choosing place strategies but not response strategies. Intriguingly, infusion of an anti-proBDNF antibody did not affect rats' training process but rendered the adaption to learning reversal training more difficult, indicating deficits in choosing the proper learning strategy. The training-induced increase in proBDNF promoted the firing rate of pyramidal neurons but not fast-spiking (FS) interneurons. Importantly, endogenous proBDNF facilitated the neural correlate of spatial, but not response, learning behavior. However, the anti-proBDNF antibody effectively reversed the strategy preference and inhibited neural activity. We herein propose that proBDNF exerts pivotal effects on neural excitability and the use of cognitive strategies to facilitate the spatial learning process.

The pharmacological perturbation of brain zinc impairs BDNF-related signaling and the cognitive performances of young mice

Zinc (Zn2+) is a pleiotropic modulator of the neuronal and brain activity. The disruption of intraneuronal Zn2+ levels triggers neurotoxic processes and affects neuronal functioning. In this study, we investigated how the pharmacological modulation of brain Zn2+ affects synaptic plasticity and cognition in wild-type mice. To manipulate brain Zn2+ levels, we employed the Zn2+ (and copper) chelator 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (clioquinol, CQ). CQ was administered for two weeks to 2.5-month-old (m.o.) mice, and effects studied on BDNF-related signaling, metalloproteinase activity as well as learning and memory performances. CQ treatment was found to negatively affect short- and long-term memory performances. The CQ-driven perturbation of brain Zn2+ was found to reduce levels of BDNF, synaptic plasticity-related proteins and dendritic spine density in vivo. Our study highlights the importance of choosing "when", "where", and "how much" in the modulation of brain Zn2+ levels. Our findings confirm the importance of targeting Zn2+ as a therapeutic approach against neurodegenerative conditions but, at the same time, underscore the potential drawbacks of reducing brain Zn2+ availability upon the early stages of development.

The BDNF Val66Met Prodomain Disassembles Dendritic Spines Altering Fear Extinction Circuitry and Behavior

A human variant in the BDNF gene (Val66Met; rs6265) is associated with impaired fear extinction. Using super-resolution imaging, we demonstrate that the BDNF Met prodomain disassembles dendritic spines and eliminates synapses in hippocampal neurons. In vivo, ventral CA1 (vCA1) hippocampal neurons undergo similar morphological changes dependent on their transient co-expression of a SorCS2/p75^NTR receptor complex during peri-adolescence. BDNF Met prodomain infusion into the vCA1 during this developmental time frame reduces dendritic spine density and prelimbic (PL) projections, impairing cued fear extinction. Adolescent Bdnf^Met/Met mice display similar spine and PL innervation deficits. Using fiber photometry, we found that, in wild-type mice, vCA1 neurons projecting to the PL encode extinction by enhancing neural activity in threat anticipation and rapidly subsiding their response. This adaptation is absent in BDNF^Met/Met mice. We conclude that the BDNF Met prodomain renders vCA1-PL projection neurons underdeveloped, preventing their capacity for subsequent circuit modulation necessary for fear extinction. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Critical Issues in BDNF Val66Met Genetic Studies of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Neurotrophins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant and widely distributed neurotrophin in the brain. Its Val66Met polymorphism (refSNP Cluster Report: rs6265) is a common and functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affecting the activity-dependent release of BDNF. BDNF Val66Met transgenic mice have been generated, which may provide further insight into the functional impact of this polymorphism in the brain. Considering the important role of BDNF in brain function, more than 1,100 genetic studies have investigated this polymorphism in the past 15 years. Although these studies have reported some encouraging positive findings initially, most of the findings cannot be replicated in following studies. These inconsistencies in BDNF Val66Met genetic studies may be attributed to many factors such as age, sex, environmental factors, ethnicity, genetic model used for analysis, and gene–gene interaction, which are discussed in this review. We also discuss the results of recent studies that have reported the novel functions of this polymorphism. Because many BDNF polymorphisms and non-genetic factors have been implicated in the complex traits of neuropsychiatric diseases, the conventional genetic association-based method is limited to address these complex interactions. Future studies should apply data mining and machine learning techniques to determine the genetic role of BDNF in neuropsychiatric diseases.

The Immediate Early Gene Egr3 Is Required for Hippocampal Induction of Bdnf by Electroconvulsive Stimulation

Early growth response 3 (Egr3) is an immediate early gene (IEG) that is regulated downstream of a cascade of genes associated with risk for psychiatric disorders, and dysfunction of Egr3 itself has been implicated in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. As an activity-dependent transcription factor, EGR3 is poised to regulate the neuronal expression of target genes in response to environmental events. In the current study, we sought to identify a downstream target of EGR3 with the goal of further elucidating genes in this biological pathway relevant for psychiatric illness risk. We used electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) to induce high-level expression of IEGs in the brain, and conducted expression microarray to identify genes differentially regulated in the hippocampus of Egr3-deficient (-/-) mice compared to their wildtype (WT) littermates. Our results replicated previous work showing that ECS induces high-level expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in the hippocampus of WT mice. However, we found that this induction is absent in Egr3-/- mice. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validated the microarray results (performed in males) and replicated the findings in two separate cohorts of female mice. Follow-up studies of activity-dependent Bdnf exons demonstrated that ECS-induced expression of both exons IV and VI requires Egr3. In situ hybridization demonstrated high-level cellular expression of Bdnf in the hippocampal dentate gyrus following ECS in WT, but not Egr3-/-, mice. Bdnf promoter analysis revealed eight putative EGR3 binding sites in the Bdnf promoter, suggesting a mechanism through which EGR3 may directly regulate Bdnf gene expression. These findings do not appear to result from a defect in the development of hippocampal neurons in Egr3-/- mice, as cell counts in tissue sections stained with anti-NeuN antibodies, a neuron-specific marker, did not differ between Egr3-/- and WT mice. In addition, Sholl analysis and counts of dendritic spines in golgi-stained hippocampal sections revealed no difference in dendritic morphology or synaptic spine density in Egr3-/-, compared to WT, mice. These findings indicate that Egr3 is required for ECS-induced expression of Bdnf in the hippocampus and suggest that Bdnf may be a downstream gene in our previously identified biologically pathway for psychiatric illness susceptibility.

Beyond good and evil: A putative continuum-sorting hypothesis for the functional role of proBDNF/BDNF-propeptide/mBDNF in antidepressant treatment

Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder are assumed to be maladaptive responses to stress and antidepressants are thought to counteract such responses by increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels. BDNF acts through TrkB (tropomyosin-related receptor kinase B) and plays a central role in neuroplasticity. In contrast, both precursor proBDNF and BDNF propeptide (another metabolic product from proBDNF cleavage) have a high affinity to p75 receptor (p75R) and usually convey apoptosis and neuronal shrinkage. Although BDNF and proBDNF/propeptide apparently act in opposite ways, neuronal turnover and remodeling might be a final common way that both act to promote more effective neuronal networking, avoiding neuronal redundancy and the misleading effects of environmental contingencies. This review aims to provide a brief overview about the BDNF functional role in antidepressant action and about p75R and TrkB signaling to introduce the "continuum-sorting hypothesis." The resulting hypothesis suggests that both BDNF/proBDNF and BDNF/propeptide act as protagonists to fine-tune antidepressant-dependent neuroplasticity in crucial brain structures to modulate behavioral responses to stress.

BDNF: A Key Factor with Multipotent Impact on Brain Signaling and Synaptic Plasticity

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most widely distributed and extensively studied neurotrophins in the mammalian brain. Among its prominent functions, one can mention control of neuronal and glial development, neuroprotection, and modulation of both short- and long-lasting synaptic interactions, which are critical for cognition and memory. A wide spectrum of processes are controlled by BDNF, and the sometimes contradictory effects of its action can be explained based on its specific pattern of synthesis, comprising several intermediate biologically active isoforms that bind to different types of receptor, triggering several signaling pathways. The functions of BDNF must be discussed in close relation to the stage of brain development, the different cellular components of nervous tissue, as well as the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction activated under physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we briefly summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of BDNF on regulation of neurophysiological processes. The importance of BDNF for future studies aimed at disclosing mechanisms of activation of signaling pathways, neuro- and gliogenesis, as well as synaptic plasticity is highlighted.

The p75 neurotrophin receptor might mediate sepsis-induced synaptic and cognitive impairments

Systemic inflammation induces cognitive impairment, yet the mechanism involved in this process is unclear. Neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75^NTR) signaling is a key pathological factor contributing to neurobehavioral abnormalities in many neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of p75^NTR signaling in the regulation of sepsis-induced cognitive impairment remains largely to be elucidated. In this study, systemic inflammation was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Neurobehavioral performances were evaluated by open field, novel object recognition, and fear conditioning tests. The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10), apoptosis marker cleaved caspase-3, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1), proBDNF, p75^NTR, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and pJNK in the hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. The synaptic marker in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was assessed by Golgi staining. In the present study, we showed that systemic inflammation induced cognitive impairment, which was accompanied by increased expressions of hippocampcal proBDNF and p75^NTR. Of note, we found that LM11A-31, an orally available, blood-brain barrier-permeant small-molecule p75^NTR signaling modulator significantly reversed the sepsis-induced cognitive impairment and restored most of the abnormal biochemical parameters. Taken together, our study suggests that proBDNF/p75^NTR signaling pathway might play a key role in the development of sepsis-induced cognitive impairment, whereas specific p75^NTR inhibitor may provide a novel therapeutic approach for this disorder and possible other neurodegenerative diseases.

ProBDNF/p75NTR/sortilin pathway is activated in peripheral blood of patients with alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence is a worldwide problem with a great social and economic burden in many countries. A number of studies have suggested that BDNF (mature BDNF) and its precursor (proBDNF) play important roles in the alcohol dependence. However, what roles of the mBDNF/proBDNF pathways play during the pathological process of alcohol dependence are not clearly understood. In our clinical study, peripheral blood was sampled from 30 male patients with alcohol dependence and 50 healthy males (as control). The protein levels of proBDNF, p75NTR, sortilin, mBDNF, TrkB and mRNA levels of BDNF, p75NTR, sortilin, and TrkB were detected in the peripheral blood in our study. We found that the protein levels of proBDNF and p75NTR were increased, but not the sortilin protein level; while the TrkB protein level was decreased in the alcohol dependence patients compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the mRNA levels of p75NTR and sortilin from the lymphocytes were slightly increased; while BDNF and TrkB were significantly decreased. The ELISA results of mBDNF and TrkB were declined in the alcohol dependence group. The levels of mBDNF and TrkB were negatively correlated with the average amount of daily ethanol consumption, and the levels of proBDNF, p75NTR and sortilin were positively correlated with the average amount of ethanol consumption per day. The ratio of proBDNF to mBDNF was altered in alcohol dependence patients. The balance between the proBDNF/p75NTR and mBDNF/TrkB signalling pathways appeared dysregulated in alcohol dependence. Our results suggested that both pathways may participate in the complex processes of alcohol dependence.

A comprehensive review of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate BDNF expression and function with relevance to major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that affects behavior and impairs cognition. A gene potentially important to this disorder is the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as it is involved in processes controlling neuroplasticity. Various mechanisms exist to regulate BDNF's expression level, subcellular localization, and sorting to appropriate secretory pathways. Alterations to these processes by genetic factors and negative stressors can dysregulate its expression, with possible implications for MDD. Here, we review the mechanisms governing the regulation of BDNF expression, and discuss how disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can alter these mechanisms, and influence MDD. As negative stressors increase the likelihood of MDD, we will also discuss the impact of these stressors on BDNF expression, the cellular effect of such a change, and its impact on behavior in animal models of stress. We will also describe epigenetic processes that mediate this change in BDNF expression. Similarities in BDNF expression between animal models of stress and those in MDD will be highlighted. We will also contrast epigenetic patterns at the BDNF locus between animal models of stress, and MDD patients, and address limitations to current clinical studies. Future work should focus on validating current genetic and epigenetic findings in tightly controlled clinical studies. Regions outside of BDNF promoters should also be explored, as should other epigenetic marks, to improve identification of biomarkers for MDD.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Precursor in the Hippocampus Regulates Both Depressive and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rats

Depression and anxiety are two affective disorders that greatly threaten the mental health of a large population worldwide. Previous studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) is involved in the development of depression. However, it is still elusive whether proBDNF is involved in anxiety, and if so, which brain regions of proBDNF regulate these two affective disorders. The present study aims to investigate the role of proBDNF in the hippocampus in the development of depression and anxiety. Rat models of an anxiety-like phenotype and depression-like phenotype were established by complete Freund's adjuvant intra-plantar injection and chronic restraint stress, respectively. Both rat models developed anxiety-like behaviors as determined by the open field test and elevated plus maze test. However, only rats with depression-like phenotype displayed the lower sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test and a longer immobility time in the forced swimming test. Sholl analysis showed that the dendritic arborization of granule cells in the hippocampus was decreased in rats with depression-like phenotype but was not changed in rats with anxiety-like phenotype. In addition, synaptophysin was downregulated in the rats with depression-like phenotype but upregulated in the rats with anxiety-like phenotype. In both models, proBDNF was greatly increased in the hippocampus. Intra-hippocampal injection anti-proBDNF antibody greatly ameliorated the anxiety-like and depressive behaviors in the rats. These findings suggest that despite some behavioral and morphological differences between depression and anxiety, hippocampal proBDNF is a common mediator to regulate these two mental disorders.

Physiological functions of non-apoptotic caspase activity in the nervous system

Caspases are cysteine proteases that play important and well-defined roles in apoptosis and inflammation. Increasing evidence point to alternative functions of caspases where restricted and localized caspase activation within neurons allows for a variety of non-apoptotic and non-inflammatory processes required for brain development and function. In this review, we highlight sublethal caspase functions in axon and dendrite pruning, neurite outgrowth and dendrite branches formation, as well as in long-term depression and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, as non-apoptotic activity of caspases is often confined in space and time in neurons, we also discuss the mechanisms that restrict caspase activity in order to maintain the neuronal networks in a healthy and functional state.