BDNF

Source: NCBI Gene, accessed 2026-10-07.

Protein

Neurotrophic factor BDNF precursor form

Function

Important signaling molecule that activates signaling cascades downstream of NTRK2. During development, promotes the survival and differentiation of selected neuronal populations of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Participates in axonal growth, pathfinding and in the modulation of dendritic growth and morphology. Major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability.

Subcellular location

Secreted.

Tissue specificity

Detected in blood plasma and in saliva (at protein level). Brain. Highly expressed in hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Also expressed in heart, lung, skeletal muscle, testis, prostate and placenta.

Source: UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot P23560, release 2026_03, licensed CC BY 4.0. This is the protein’s normal biology, not evidence about post-drug syndromes; associated conditions are inherited disorders of the gene, not PFS, PSSD or PRSD.

Written for the whole neurotransmission family, not for BDNF specifically.