Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuronal repair and mental health

Abstract

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is initially synthesized as a 247 amino acid preproBDNF which is cleaved to form a 228 a.a. pro-BDNF and finally 119 a.a. mature BDNF (14 kDa). BDNF is expressed in fibroblasts, astrocytes, neurons, megakaryocytes, Schwann cells, and smooth muscle cells where, acting via its tyrosine kinase receptor TrkB, it is involved in neuronal differentiation and maturation, synapse formation, neuroprotection and neuronal repair.