Review Paper:
Molecular mechanism
of BDNF gene in psychiatry
Nanda Bhagyashree, Mohanty Rakesh, Sathpathy Soumya and Mishra Suvendu Narayan
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 21(1); 361-369;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/211rjbt3610369; (2026)
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a complex neurotrophin involved in the
central nervous system, promoting synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection and neurogenesis.
Research has found that declined BDNF levels are allied with various neuropsychiatric
disorders, suggesting its potential as a biomarker. The higher-affinity tropomyosin-related
kinase B receptor mediates its effects and involves downstream cascades. A Val66Met
polymorphism (rs6265) of BDNF has been connected with various psychiatric conditions.
Variations in BDNF function and expression lead to depressive disorders like Persistent
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia), Postpartum Depression
and Schizophrenia. BDNF affects behavior and cognition by regulating every aspect
of neuronal function via TrkB signaling.
The complex splicing of the BDNF gene is significant in allowing spatial-temporal
regulation of BDNF synthesis, explaining the diverse phenotypes associated with
genetic variation. The Met allele is one of the most studied SNPs in human BDNF.
When everything is considered, these findings show how BDNF plays vital role in
human memory and brain function problems. Neural protection, synaptic support, immunomodulation,
improved plasticity, secondary neurological regulation and maintaining the integrity
of neurovascular units are few of its therapeutic options.
