Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: its impact upon neuroplasticity and neuroplasticity inducing transcranial brain stimulation protocols

Neurogenetics. 2014 Mar;15(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s10048-014-0393-1. Epub 2014 Feb 25.

Abstract

Val66Met (rs6265) is a gene variation, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene that codes for the protein BDNF. The substitution of Met for Val occurs at position 66 in the pro-region of the BDNF gene and is responsible for altered activity-dependent release and recruitment of BDNF in neurons. This is believed to manifest itself in an altered ability in neuroplasticity induction and an increased predisposition toward a number of neurological disorders. Many studies using neuroplasticity-inducing protocols have investigated the impact of the BDNF polymorphism on cortical modulation and plasticity; however, the results are partly contradictory and dependent on the paradigm used in a given study. The aim of this review is to summarize recent knowledge on the relationship of this BDNF SNP and neuroplasticity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / physiology*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Memory
  • Methionine / chemistry
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*
  • Valine / chemistry

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Methionine
  • Valine