The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most extensively studied and widespread growth factors in the brain. BDNF and its receptors are the critical factors having multipotent impact on the central nervous system (CNS). The biological function of BDNF primarily mediated by two receptors, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor and p75 neurotrophin receptor. BDNF contributes a pivotal role in neuronal and glial development, modulation and maintaining overall synaptic plasticity of the brain; therefore, widely involved in psychiatric diseases. Current hypotheses indicates that abnormal BDNF level, a vital condition for psychiatric and neurodegeneration diseases are mainly due to the disruption of the BDNF-associated signaling cascades. It is, therefore, crucial to understand how BDNF coordinate the psychiatric diseases in the brain. This review begins with the history of BDNF and its biology in brain homeostasis and focuses on several aspects of BDNF signaling. In addition, the review addresses the impact of BDNF level in diverse neuropsychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and, possible biological mechanisms of BDNF that may shed new insight for future therapeutic use and drug development.