BDNF

This gene encodes a member of the nerve growth factor family of proteins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protein. Binding of this protein to its cognate receptor promotes neuronal survival in the adult brain. Expression of this gene is reduced in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease patients. This gene may play a role in the regulation of the stress response and in the biology of mood disorders. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015]

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Important signaling molecule that activates signaling cascades downstream of NTRK2 (PubMed:11152678).
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.
BDNF precursor form: Important signaling molecule that activates signaling cascades downstream of NTRK2. Activates signaling cascades via the heterodimeric receptor formed by NGFR and SORCS2 (PubMed:24908487, PubMed:29909994).
Signaling via NGFR and SORCS2 plays a role in synaptic plasticity and long-term depression (LTD). Binding to NGFR and SORCS2 promotes neuronal apoptosis. Promotes neuronal growth cone collapse (By similarity).

Activation of phospholipase C activity Source: Reactome
Axon guidance Source: BHF-UCL
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor signaling pathway Source: BHF-UCL
Collateral sprouting Source: BHF-UCL
Memory Source: GO_Central
Modulation of chemical synaptic transmission Source: GO_Central
Negative regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway Source: ARUK-UCL
Negative regulation of myotube differentiation Source: ParkinsonsUK-UCL
Negative regulation of neuron apoptotic process Source: GO_Central
Nerve development Source: GO_Central
Nerve growth factor signaling pathway Source: GO_Central
Nervous system development Source: ProtInc
Neuron projection morphogenesis Source: GO_Central
Neurotrophin TRK receptor signaling pathway Source: Reactome
Peripheral nervous system development Source: GO_Central
Positive regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor signaling pathway Source: BHF-UCL
Positive regulation of collateral sprouting Source: BHF-UCL
Positive regulation of neuron projection development Source: ARUK-UCL
Positive regulation of non-membrane spanning protein tyrosine kinase activity Source: Reactome
Positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation Source: GO_Central
Positive regulation of receptor binding Source: ParkinsonsUK-UCL
Positive regulation of synapse assembly Source: BHF-UCL
Regulation of neuron differentiation Source: GO_Central
Regulation of protein localization to cell surface Source: ParkinsonsUK-UCL
Synapse assembly Source: BHF-UCL
Transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway Source: GO_Central

Secreted
BDNF precursor form: Secreted. A proportion of BDNF is secreted as immature precursor (proBDNF).

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS): Rare disorder characterized by abnormal control of respiration in the absence of neuromuscular or lung disease, or an identifiable brain stem lesion. A deficiency in autonomic control of respiration results in inadequate or negligible ventilatory and arousal responses to hypercapnia and hypoxemia.

BDNF precursor form: N-glycosylated and glycosulfated, contrary to mature BDNF.
Mature BDNF is produced by proteolytic removal of the propeptide, catalyzed by a FURIN family member. In addition, the precursor form is proteolytically cleaved within the propeptide, but this is not an obligatory intermediate for the production of mature BDNF (PubMed:11152678). Can be converted into mature BDNF by plasmin (PLG) (PubMed:19467646).